Oral

International and national family violence experts with more than 100 years of experience will present a spectrum of family violence issues and concerns, ending with a proposed role for public health. Topics include death review teams, pediatric specialization in child abuse, intimate partner violence prevention and intervention, international issues and concerns, and the coordination recommended to work together. Multi-agency child death review teams exist in at least eight nations. Domestic violence fatality review team followed and new teams are developing for elder abuse and nonfatal/severe child injuries. Programs for child grief and traumatic loss will follow. Pediatricians are developing specialty boards in child abuse and sharing knowledge on the Internet. Advanced practice nurses conduct research and forensic investigations, while mental health specialists treat victim/survivors of abuse and violence. Intimate partner violence programs work to connect health care settings with community-based programs and services. Standards and guidelines have been developed by major medical organizations, including the AMA, ACOG, ACEP, ACP, AAFP, NNVAWI, IAFN, ANA, JCAHO, and others. International efforts include expanded involvement by the World Health Organization to address women and children as victims in all cultures. Health care professionals are working together using higher education, government organizations, Internet websites and communication, and a more educated and involved public. But, “silos†persist with groups separated by profession, age of victim served, competition for funds, legal concerns about protection of records, and organizations/agencies. Public health in general and APHA in particular can contribute by helping to coordinate and focus public health resources to assist family violence, prevention and intervention efforts.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing