Domestic violence: the general practitioner's
role
Devise a safety plan
No patient should ever be pressurized into following any
particular course of action. Only the patient can decide what is
right for her in her particular situation. Her individual autonomy,
self-esteem and self-determination should be encouraged and
respected. Even if the patient decides to return to the violent
situation, she is not likely to forget the information and care
given and, in time, this may help her to break out of the cycle of
abuse. Beware of the danger of the needs of some ethnic minority
patients being ignored under the guise of ‘respect’ for different
cultures.
- If she does not wish to return to the abuser, advise her on the
services available from local agencies and offer help with
contacting them.
- If she chooses to return to the abuser:
(a) Give her the phone number of the local women's refuge or
the local Women’s Aid.
(b) Advise her to keep some money and important financial
and legal documents hidden in a safe place, in case of emergency.
(c) Help her to plan an escape route in case of
emergency.
- If children are likely to be at risk, seriously consider
referral to social services, if possible with the patient's
consent.