Page 1
Definition of
Partner Abuse
Page 2
Who Is At Risk?
Health Implications
Current Climate
Page 3
Screening
and A
Simple Tool
Page 4
Receptivity
to Screening
and
Nursing Inquiry
&
Professional
Responsibility
Main Page
Partner Abuse Screening
Who is at risk?
It is evident in the literature that the perpetrator is primarily described as a male and the victim as a female. But it would be prudent to remember that domestic abuse follows no hard and fast rules and that domestic abuse knows no limitations. The perpetrator can be any age, any gender, any spousal or relationship definition, currently involved in your life or be from your past. "Domestic violence transcends race, ethnicity, age, national origin, sexual orientation and religious and socioeconomic factors." (Healthlink, 2002)Health Implications
"What is the health impact of abuse?
- exhaustion, fatigue, insomnia, waking up in sweats, loss or gain of appetite
- dizziness, chest pains, heart palpitations, arthritis, joint pain, no sexual interest
- incontinence, loss of bladder control, nausea, depression, headaches/migraines
- bruises, tenderness, ulcers, digestive/GI problems, broken bones, jaw problems
- PID's, STD's, HIV/AIDS, forced abortion, abortion requests, pregnancy complications
- difficulty getting pregnant, recurring pregnancy loss, tingling arms/legs, loss of sensation
- lack of concentration, memory loss, confusion, forgetfulness, dental problems
- throwing up, fainting, hypertension, frequent respiratory infection, asthma
- shortness of breath, feeling crazy, feeling suicidal, sleeping too much, stress
- easily distracted, nervous all the time, jumpiness, anxiety, distorted body image, worry
- overwhelmed, no energy, fearful, dependent, feeling incapable or incompetent
- feeling vulnerable, feeling like a failure, no self respect
- feeling responsible for the abuse, feeling immobilized, intense rage, self-doubt
- living in poverty, smoking too much, increased drinking
- needing prescription drugs to cope or to sleep, nightmares, feeling ugly, desensitized to danger
- afraid to make decisions, angry at self, not breathing properly, feeling flawed, taking risks, etc�"
(Woman Abuse Response Program, 2001)
Current Climate
According to Day (1995) in Canada, the estimated health related cost of violence perpetrated against women is $1.5 billion per year; this includes $225 million in medical consultations and $506 million in short and long term psychiatric care."Historically, the health care system has played an important role in identifying and preventing widespread public health problems�.the models developed to prevent other chronic health problems may effectively be applied to domestic violence. Routine screening, with its focus on early identification and its capacity to reach patients whether or not symptoms are immediately apparent is a primary starting point for this improved approach to medical practice for domestic violence. Health care professionals currently screen routinely for a number of common conditions, where the prevalence is less than or similar to that of domestic violence. "
(Preventing of Domestic Violence, 2002).
"Partner violence may occur as isolated occurrences, but most typically multiple forms of abuse are occurring that create a pattern of control by one partner and generate fear and submission by the other partner."
(Griffin & Koss, 2002)
