Background: As knowledge has developed about the harm of children witnessing domestic violence, the question arises how screening adults for domestic violence can be instituted to protect both adults and children. Objective: To determine whether patients with children or responsibility for child care have greater awareness of mandatory reporting laws and willingness for inquiry into their child's home environment. Methods: Consecutive patients in an urban emergency department were surveyed during a convenience sample of two day/evening shifts. The survey assessed demographic information, as well as parental awareness regarding child protection laws and willingness to be asked questions regarding their children observing abuse. Results: Overall, 81.9% (95% Confidence Interval: +/-6%) of respondents knew of the reporting law, and 86.2% (95% CI: +/-6%) felt it appropriate to be asked if their children witnessed abuse. Of patients who are parents, 94.4% (95% CI: +/-5%) were aware of child protection legislation, and 95.4% (95% CI: +/-4%) supported generalized screening. Of those responsible for child care, 92.8% (95% CI: +/-6%) knew of the mandatory reporting law, and 91.3% (95% CI: +/-7%) would support queries about their child's environment. Conclusions: Patient awareness of reporting laws and belief in the appropriateness of screening suggest commitment to child protection. Certain groups, such as those who were male, under age 40, or without children or child care responsibilities, may need education about child protection policies. Since there is no formal policy addressing children observing abuse, these results can help shape an institutional response.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the current lack of social policy directed toward children witnessing domestic violence, 2. Recognize patient levels of awareness of mandatory reporting laws and support of general screening for family violence, 3. Develop policy considerations that assess individual physician responsibilities and general societal legislation regarding children observing inter-parental abuse
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: not applicable
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.