A well documented medical record can strengthen domestic violence cases when they are brought to court. It constitutes third-party factual evidence corroborating or establishing that abuse has occurred and may be useful to pro se litigants in a variety of less formal legal contexts.
The Domestic Violence and Mental Health Policy Initiative (DVMHPI) is a Chicago-based project designed to address the unmet mental health needs of domestic violence survivors and their children. DVMHPI offers information and technical assistance to local agencies, and provides training and support to advocates and mental health providers.
The American Academy of Facial and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and NCADV offer a 24-hour toll-free number for victims of domestic violence who are burdened with the physical scars located on the head and neck.
Comprehensive manual on screening and treatment issues in domestic violence for health care workers providing services to families in Western Australia
Violence Against Women: Data on Pregnant Victims and Effectiveness of Prevention Strategies. Report from the General Accounting Office in PDF format. [PDF]
ICAD is the electronic mailing list of the International Coalition on Abuse and Disability (ICAD). The ICAD organization is an informal network of people with disabilities, researchers, service providers, and others concerned about violence as it affects people with disabilities. Violence is broadly defined to include child abuse, family violence, institutional violence, hate crimes, medical discrimination, involuntary and intrusive treatments, attitudes and beliefs that marginalize people with disabilities, and a variety of other forms of maltreatment experienced by people with disabilities.
Family Violence Prevention Fund: Routine screening for domestic violence is recommended in primary care, OB/GYN and family planning, emergency, in-patient, pediatrics, and mental health settings. The guidelines include intake forms, questionnaires, and documentation forms. (Adobe Reader needed.)
Pediatricians are in a position to recognize abused women in pediatric settings. Intervening on behalf of battered women is an active form of child abuse prevention. Knowledge of local resources and state laws for reporting abuse are emphasized. American Academy of Pediatrics
Article by Frank M. Ochberg, MD, adjunct professor of psychiatry, criminal justice and journalism at Michigan State University. Author of Post Traumatic Therapy and Victims of Violence.
This assessment addresses the frequency with which women with mental health and cognitive disabilities access domestic violence and sexual assault programs; the ability of service providers to identify domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking among the women they serve; the extent of services provided; and the training, technical assistance, and resource needs of service providers. Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance. [PDF]
