Screening for Violence against Women in a Rural Health Care Clinic

Authors

  • Sharon M. Coyer Northern Illinois University
  • Donna J. Plonczynski Northern Illinois University
  • Karen B. Baldwin Northern Illinois University
  • Patricia G. Fox Northern Illinois University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v6i1.192

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of violence against women served at a rural health care center after introducing a violence screening protocol. All women 18-years and older who were served in the clinic in a one-year period (N=1690) were asked about episodes of violence. The number of positives responses was assessed in a retrospective chart review of all women’s charts seen in the clinic before and after an educational intervention and screening protocol were added to the intake procedures. Previous to the intervention, no charts of women were identified who reported current violent against them. A second retrospective chart review was conducted after the intervention. Six women were identified and referred to support agencies for violence against them. The investigators concluded that education of staff and adding the screening protocol about violence against women visits can increase the ability to identify violence against women.

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Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2006)

Section

Articles

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