Prescribing hope: how the healthcare system combats domestic abuse and violence

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Pawan Bhusal, a third year MBBS student  from Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Palpa Nepal. 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.

Domestic abuse and violence as the terms speak, are pervasive societal issues that often remain behind the curtain. Victims of abuse and violence frequently suffer in silence, fearing the consequences of speaking out. The patriarchal society dominated by so-called masculinity is at its prime all around the globe (especially in the underdeveloped and developing countries with people living below literacy), and it suppresses the so-called inferior (mostly females). Domestic abuse and violence encompass a spectrum of harmful behaviors, including physical violence, torture, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial control, threatened acts, and many more.      

Role of healthcare system

In such dire circumstances, the healthcare system acts as a pillar where the tears, sorrows and the broken soul could undoubtly rest upon. This chain of systems not only act as a silent savior but also play a pivotal role to identify, support and ultimately battle domestic abuse and violence. Numerous research conducted through many years and the statistics they prevail suggests millions of individuals suffering in the shadows.This is all set to uncover these hidden struggles and address these problems in a more convenient and effective manner. 

Healthcare providers are often the first point of contact for victims of domestic abuse and violence. During patient visits, the physician can get to witness various signs of physical violence ranging from bite marks, abrasions and contusions over the hands, feet and also the signs of sexual abuse marked by contusion in the inner aspect of thighs, and more. 

As per the reports of  American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), domestic violence affects approximately 325,000 pregnant women each year and domestic violence is more common among pregnant women than preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. As most of them during pregnancy are conscious of their child’s health, they are  bound to seek medical care, this turns to an excellent time to assess domestic violence. This could undoubtedly prevent the risk to both mother and fetus. 

Those children seeking medical attention and their parents providing a history of their illness which is completely different from that elicited by a physician often points towards the past history of domestic violence to their children. 

The ethical obligation of healthcare professionals to address domestic violence is undeniable. 

One of the paramount ways healthcare systems address domestic violence is through screening and identification that they employ to assess the possibility of domestic violence. They are not only their healer but also their emotional support and the listening ear too. They can turn out to be an advocate of ending domestic violence using the expertise they hold. Building up a trusted relationship with the patient, healthcare professionals can lend their ears so that the needy could empty their souls. The healthcare system can’t work in isolation when it comes to addressing domestic violence. A decent work of collaboration with the law enforcing bodies, civil societies, human rights activists and changemakers is often a prerequisite so that the desperate souls will show up their teeth wide open. They also need to be prepared for the unforeseen circumstances and forever in a get-set-go position to refer victims to these agencies such that they receive comprehensive support and protection. Above all of these, as the term says “Prevention is better than cure”; health professionals play a pivotal role in educating the patients about healthy family relationships, recognizing early signs of abuse and a middle man role to prevent the incidence and avoiding the abuse. Special care is to be taken while tackling the cases of domestic abuse as they are directly connected with confidentiality and a thin line of demarcation between trust and skepticism.   

Conclusion 

The healthcare system serves as a vital pool to windlass the fight against domestic abuse. The common people need to understand that the healthcare professionals are the silent savior, playing a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of violence and helping them to combat these deeply rooted issues. Together, we can work towards a world where domestic abuse and violence no longer have a place in our homes and communities. 

About the author

Pawan Bhusal is a third year MBBS student  from Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Palpa Nepal. Being passionate in medicine, he joined MBBS and is emerging as an enthusiastic, dedicated and motivated individual to contribute in the field of medicine. President at Nepal Medical Student’s Society LMC, Mr. Pawan is an active member of IFMSA and advocates peace and a healthy world via his voice, writings and mindset.