Unveiling the Healing Stethoscope: The Transformative Role of Healthcare in Combating Domestic Abuse

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Lida Soumaki, a medical student from Athens, Greece. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Domestic abuse has grown to be one of the most fundamental problems in our society. While individuals of any gender can be victims of domestic abuse, women are disproportionately affected. According to WHO, approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, often perpetrated by an intimate partner. 

The healthcare system plays a crucial role in addressing domestic abuse. It serves as a vital support system for victims and helps in prevention, intervention, and recovery. Healthcare professionals are usually the first line of help for the victims and sometimes are the only people who can identify the problem.

Here are a few ways in which the healthcare system can contribute:

Identification and Screening: Healthcare professionals should be trained to recognize signs of domestic abuse and violence. They can use screening tools to identify patients who may be experiencing abuse, even if they don’t disclose it directly. Doctors should keep in mind that these imaging tests are valuable evidence in court and inform the victims for their value. 

Providing Safe Spaces: Medical Confidentiality, private examination rooms and the doctor’s non-judgemental approach can build a truly safe environment for the victim. It is such a simple action for a professional to do, and such a necessity for a victim of violence to be treated in a supportive manner.

Medical Treatment: Healthcare providers offer medical care for injuries resulting from abuse. They can also address the physical and mental health consequences of domestic violence such as trauma and depression.

Referrals and Resources: Healthcare professionals can connect victims with local resources and support services, such as shelters, counselling and helplines. These referrals are crucial in helping survivors access the assistance they need. Moreover, it seems vital that they refer the victims to law enforcement and community organisations to ensure a comprehensive response to domestic abuse cases. 

Education and Prevention: By raising awareness, promoting prevention strategies, training healthcare providers and educating the public, healthcare professionals can contribute to early intervention and reduce the prevalence of abuse.

If we had to emphasize any of the above aspects as the most crucial part of our role, nowadays, that is Creating a safe space! As difficult as this may be with the current working conditions in hospitals, doctors should strive to create a safe and free of criticism space where victims feel comfortable disclosing their experiences. They should be careful to observe the signs closely and be discreet. Furthermore, they have to ensure privacy during consultations and use empathetic communication to build trust, active listening in order to acknowledge the victim’s experience. And finally, their service should not end before securing the victim with a safety plan in order to report the incident(s) of abuse and ensure immediate safety.

We must always keep in mind that for us, this may be one more patient before we go home, but for that person, it may be the moment that will change their life, and most importantly, it may be their last chance.

About the author

Lida Soumaki was born in Athens, Greece in 2000. She is a 6th year medical student in Aristotle’s University of Thessaloniki. She competed in acrobatic gymnastics for 5 years, participating in National Competitions, European and World Festivals. She is now involved in theater and music as an amateur. Politics and volunteering have always been key parts of her life while she is an active member of HelMSIC. She has been Soft Skills and CSE trainer  for 5 years with over 70 hours of delivery in her portfolio while she has served as local president 2020-21 and National Training Director 2022-23.