2024
Domestic Violence
Situations may arise in your office where you suspect that a patient may be the victim of domestic violence.
Abusers are skilled at using power and control over their victims, which can make leaving the situation both difficult and dangerous. One of the best ways to help somebody in a potentially abusive situation is to listen to them and support them.
If you are uncomfortable asking your patient about their relationship, you can contact the local domestic violence program in your community to discuss the situation at https:// www. pcadv. org / findhelp / find-your-local-domestic-violence-program /. This may be a safe way to share your concerns for that person’ s safety.
If you witness or hear a violent incident in your office, it is important not to intervene on your own. If somebody is in immediate danger, call 911. Intervening can put victims and bystanders at risk. Understand and respect that there are various reasons that not all victims will want the police involved in their situation, but if somebody’ s life is at risk, calling 911 is the best option. https:// www. pcadv. org /
2024