Medical Staff Office

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can happen to couples who are married, living together, or who are dating. Partner abuse and partner violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Domestic Violence may be defined as a pattern of abusive behavior used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse can be:

Screening for Domestic Violence

Patients are screened for domestic violence with the following questions:

Is anyone close to you threatening or hurting you?

Is anyone hitting, kicking, choking, or hurting you physically?

Is anyone forcing you to do something sexually that you do not want to do?

The question "Do you feel safe to go home now?" is asked to help clarify the urgency of intervention for patients identified as domestic violence victims. A positive answer to this question should prompt an automatic social work consult.

In non-urgent cases, providers may utilize brochures provided by Day One and also may leave a referral telephone message for social work. Social work may involve Day One as a resource for domestic violence victims. Advocates are available 24/7.

Additional Resources for Abused Women

Suspicion or knowledge of child abuse or neglect must be reported to DCYF at (800) 742-4453

Suspicion or knowledge of mistreatment of disabled people must be reported to the Office of Quality Assurance, Division of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals at (401) 462-2629