Domestic Violence and the Role of Healthcare System

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Michel Alagha, a dedicated and driven fifth year medical student at the University of Balamand, Lebanon. He 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.

A legal definition for domestic abuse was established by the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act. A conduct is considered domestic abuse if the involved individuals are 16 years old or older. A personal relation must exist between both sides, and the behavior enclosing this relation must be abusive. Domestic abuse involves physical, sexual violence, threats, control, economic exploitation, and emotional harm. Domestic abuse victims are highly visible within the healthcare system. Healthcare providers hold a unique and crucial position in addressing domestic violence by identifying victims, aiding, and making referrals to community organizations.

Discussion:

Not all victims turn to the police first. Some seek help of sexual health clinics, or of their physicians. Health professionals can detect and address violence, referring women and children to vital services. Health services are engaged due to the profound repercussions of violence and abuse. These include heightened risks of mental health issues, physical injuries, chronic conditions, infections, and substance abuse. These effects can endure across generations, but early intervention offers an opportunity to mitigate these health-related outcomes.

Healthcare system opposes domestic violence: 

Within the healthcare system, specialized experts guide victims of violence and abuse by recommending suitable services, care plans, and swift responses in critical, high-risk scenarios. Healthcare professionals possess a comprehensive awareness of the risk factors and health consequences linked to violence and abuse when engaging with patients. Hence, healthcare systems prioritize enhancing awareness among staff, honing their abilities to effectively recognize, manage, and refer cases, ultimately elevating the quality of specialized services, like Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs).

The role of psychiatrists in healthcare: 

Psychiatrists have a pivotal role in recognizing abuse indicators, assessing the level of risk, aiding in safety planning, facilitating referrals, offering empathy and emotional support, and delivering short- and long-term trauma interventions. Survivors of domestic violence often exhibit medical and psychological ailments, which can serve as additional warning signs, especially if they manifest as vague, recurring conditions. Psychiatrists acknowledge these odd signs. For instance, they recognize when abusers may attempt to restrict their partner’s access to treatment. As a result, psychiatrists disseminate information about local community resources, including domestic violence prevention programs, helplines, mental health centers, specialized therapists, and women’s shelters.

They employ creative methods like discreetly placing hotline numbers in everyday items for immediate access in emergencies. When the threat is immediate, psychiatrists recommend that the patient contact an accommodation or reach out to social services during their examination.

Conclusion:

The healthcare system assumes a critical responsibility in addressing the repercussions of violence and abuse, encompassing both immediate and enduring effects. It plays a pivotal role in mitigating the impact on individuals’ health and well-being in the short term, as well as in the long term, by providing essential support and services. Healthcare providers are often the initial point of contact for individuals facing domestic abuse. Consequently, healthcare systems have established guidelines and procedures to detect domestic abuse cases and help victims access the necessary services and support.

About the author

Michel Alagha is a dedicated and driven fifth year medical student at the University of Balamand, Lebanon. Throughout his academic journey, he has strived to integrate his passion for patient care, clinical proficiency, and medical research into a cohesive narrative of growth and development. Apart from studying medicine, he is interested in singing, cooking, hiking, and drawing.