Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Sally Black, RN, PhD, Health Services, Saint Joseph's University, 349 Brighton Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, 610-275-8043, sblack@nti4.com

Domestic violence is an issue that impacts how the whole family functions. Each member of the family suffers in their own way. Previous studies show that children exposed to adverse childhood experiences are at increased risk for all ten leading causes of death in the US (Felitti, 1998). Children who witness domestic violence are at increased risk for substance use and abuse, psycho-social problems, behavioral problems, physical ailments, perpetuating DV in their own relationships, and post traumatic stress disorder. Recommended next steps are for pediatricians to screen for domestic violence detection and intervention. The purpose of this study was to gather information from pediatric service providers on symptoms of exposure to DV, best practices, and obstacles to best practices. Interviews were held with 24 service providers from 14 agencies to determine strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the current system. Reported symptoms of exposure included biological, behavioral, emotional, and social and varied across developmental stages. While best practices are being implemented in many areas, there is a continued need for developmentally and culturally appropriate services of evidence based programs that help the family system to heal and move on. The results of this study can be used to develop a model system of care.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the audience will be able to

• Identify symptoms of children’s exposure to domestic violence;
• Discuss best practices in screening, detecting, and intervention for children exposed to domestic violence; and
• Understand obstacles to screening and intervention.

Keywords: Domestic Violence, Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Handout (.ppt format, 473.0 kb)