Domestic Violence: The Florida Requirement _ ____________________________________________________
INTERVENTIONS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE
DOCUMENTATION AND FOLLOW-UP It is imperative that healthcare professionals document all find- ings and recommendations regarding domestic violence in the victim’s medical record, including a patient’s denial of abuse, if applicable. If domestic violence is disclosed, documentation should include relevant history, results of the physical examina- tion, findings of laboratory and other diagnostic procedures, and results of the assessment, intervention, and referral. The medical record can be an invaluable document in establishing the credibility of the victim’s story when seeking legal aid [35]. Healthcare professionals should offer a follow-up appointment if disclosure of past or current abuse is present. Reassurance that assistance is available to the patient at any time is critical in helping to break the cycle of abuse [35].
After the assessment is complete, the patient may or may not want immediate assistance or referral. It is important for health- care providers to assure patients in a nonjudgmental manner that the decision of what they would like in terms of assistance is their choice and that the provider will help regardless of the decisions they are currently ready to make [35]. If the patient would like to immediately implement a plan of action, information for referral to a local domestic violence shelter to assist the victim and the victim’s family should be readily available. The acute situation should be referred imme- diately to local law enforcement officials. Other resources in an acute situation include crisis hotlines and rape relief centers. After a victim is introduced into the system, counseling and follow-up are generally available by individual counselors who specialize in the care of battered women and their spouses and children. These may include social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, other mental health workers, and community mental health services. The goals are to make the resources accessible and safe and to enhance support for those who are unsure of their options [35]. In Florida, a 24-hour domestic violence hotline is available for toll-free counseling and information. The number is 800- 500-1119. The counselors answering the toll-free line may refer the victim to her or his local domestic violence center. A list of Florida certified domestic violence centers organized by county may also be found on the Florida Department of Children and Families website at https://www.myflfamilies. com/service-programs/domestic-violence. Florida’s domestic violence centers provide information and referral services, counseling and case management services, a 24-hour hotline, temporary emergency shelter for more than 24 hours, educa- tional services for community awareness relative to domestic violence, assessment and appropriate referral of resident chil- dren, and training for law enforcement personnel.
WORKS CITED https://qr2.mobi/DVFL
10
MDFL0626
Powered by FlippingBook