A Medical Re-Awakening To Issues Of Domestic Violence
DETROIT (WWJ) - Medical providers are using exam time to ask if patients feel "safe" at home.
In the wake of high profile domestic violence cases involving athletes - some medical providers are taking the time to ask patients if they've been mentally or physically abused at home reports WWJ's Erica Murphy.
Desiree Cooper, a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood, said many victims of abuse neglect their healthcare needs.
"We also find that when a patient is a victim of domestic violence that they often don't come in for their regular health care," said Cooper.
"We want to make sure that patients understand that healthy relationships and living in a safe environment is also part of their health care and we see it as a health issue and as well as a safety issue for our patients."
Cooper said her organization serves about 60,000 people every year. Patients who admit to being abused are connected with partner non-profits that provide immediate help.
Please share this information if you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic violence [HERE] or more information from HAVEN.
If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, or call 911, a local hotline, or the US National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224. Learn more technology safety tips.
