Recorded presentation

Kathryn E. (Beth) Moracco, PhD, MPH, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 1516 E. Franklin Street, Suite 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, (919) 265-2627, moracco@pire.org, Carrie Brown, MPH, School of Medicine, Duke University, 1516 E. Franklin St., Suite 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, Sandra L. Martin, PhD, Department of MCH, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, CB#7445, 401 Rosenau Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7445, and Judy C. Chang, MD, MPH, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Womens Health, University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Division of Gynecology Specialties, 300 Halket Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3180.

Objectives: To: 1) estimate the prevalence of mental health problems are among clients of domestic violence programs in North Carolina; 2) determine whether domestic violence program staff screen clients for mental health problems; 3) describe how domestic violence programs respond to clients who have mental health problems; and 4) ascertain whether domestic violence program staff and volunteers have had training in mental health-related issues.

Methods: A statewide mailed survey of domestic violence programs in North Carolina.

Results: We received responses from 71 of the 84 known domestic violence programs (85% response rate). The majority (61.3%) of programs estimated that at least 25% of their clients had mental health problems, and routinely ask their clients about mental health issues (72.7%). Over half of the agencies (53.5%) reported that less than a quarter of their staff and volunteers had formal training on mental health issues, and an even smaller percentage of programs (23.2%) reported having a memorandum of agreement with the local mental health center.

Conclusions: The substantial percentage of domestic violence clients with concurrent mental health needs and the limited services currently available have important implications for domestic violence and mental health service delivery. Future research in the area of domestic violence and mental health is warranted.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• Describe the estimated prevalence of mental health issues among clients of domestic violence programs in North Carolina;
• List two challenges faced by domestic violence service providers when serving clients with mental health problems; and
• Cite two strategies that may be effective for domestic violence service provders who work with clients with mental health concerns.

Keywords: Battered Women, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Recorded presentation