The Ohio Domestic Violence Network’s Domestic Violence Protocol for Health Care Providers was developed with the understanding that violence against women poses epidemic health problems causing serious physical, psychological and social consequences. The Standards of Care addresses the needs of patients who are victims of domestic violence and the health care providers and agencies that care for them. Because healthcare providers may be the first non-family members to whom an abused individual turns for help, the provider has the opportunity and responsibility to provide appropriate and sensitive interventions.

The protocol describes in detail how to assess, intervene and document a file when caring for individuals who are experiencing domestic violence. The specific steps discussed include responses to patients who screen negative for abuse as well as those who acknowledge abuse in all of its forms.

The protocol for those who screen positive for abuse includes a danger assessment, a detailed assessment of the physical and psychological state of the client, a safety plan, discharge instructions, referrals and documentation issues.

But assessing patients for abuse is just the first step in intervening on behalf of survivors. Next steps should include ongoing training for staff from all departments, awareness materials on domestic violence such as posters and/or safety plans, and a workplace violence policy (for survivors on staff as well as perpetrators.)

In addition to the protocol, which can be downloaded free of charge, ODVN also has medical screening cards and safety plans (in English and Spanish) available for a small cost. If you are interested in purchasing these materials please contact ODVN at 800-934-9840. To download a copy of the protocol in PDF please Click Here. If you would like a copy of this document as text or hardcopy please contact us at 614-781-9651, ext. 224 or 800-934-9840, ext. 224.

Below is a list of web-sites where you can purchase posters for your agency. Please consider displaying posters that represent your entire community, including non-English speaking patients.

http://www.volcanopress.com
http://endabuse.org/ (in “shop our store”)
http://www.pcadv.org/ (in the publications section)

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