Despite increased awareness toward DV, health consequences of abuse remain a large problem in the South Asian community. Statistics/resources for South Asian women are scarce. This project seeks to educate clinicians about violence and health in context of South Asian cultures, to foster more effective medical care and utilization of available resources. Methods: Sakhi has begun a health initiative with health professionals in the community leading the project. Components include 1)anti-violence information poster in ten South Asian languages for clinics and hospitals, 2)brochures detailing basic components of the NYC health care system, low-cost access to care, contact information on South Asian health professionals, and education of basic women's health issues: emotional health, nutrition, the female body, and common gyne procedures, 3)educational sessions for clinicians to dispense culturally-sensitive information and training. Results: The poster artwork competition itself has provided DV education/outreach to a wide cross-section of the South Asian community. Call for poster translators reaches into homes of zero-generation immigrants and health professionals. Brochure preparation involves clinicians, and bridges gaps between public health and biomedicine as clinical guidelines are placed in realistic and culturally appropriate language. A directory includes information for clinicians on suggested language for history intake/abuse assessment, with resources for translation and shelters. Conclusion: Grassroots creation of DV resources in the South Asian community is involving a wider audience and simultaneously educating about DV. These educational aids seek to ultimately yield higher involvement and comfort for the clinician through optimal communication with patients via familiarity with South Asian values.
Learning Objectives: Articulate the differences in DV prevention for special populations such as South Asian women Discuss novel methods for educating clinicians and laymen about DV issues
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Cultural Competency
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Sakhi for South Asian Women, New York City
Mount Sinai Medical Center
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.