Maureen Gavin Leffler, MPH¹, Elizabeth M. Datner, MD², and Frances S Shofer, PhD². (1) Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 8427 Germantown Avenue, Rear Apartment, Philadelphia, PA 19118, (215) 247-7275, mogavin@hotmail.com, (2) Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate domestic violence victim’s responses to clinical interventions in an Emergency Department.

Methods: A convenience sample of women seen in an urban Emergency Department (ED) was screened for domestic violence (DV) using a standardized screening tool. Women with recent DV (within 6 months) were consented for collection of baseline data, randomization to a brief ED based intervention or standard care, and follow up telephone survey.

Results: 4381 women were screened of whom 965 (22.0%) admitted DV. 12.6% (156) of victims reported current or recent (within 6 months) violence. 129 women consented to participate, 38 (29.5%) of whom were successfully contacted for telephone follow-up. 36 (94.7%) of participants reported they were satisfied with the intervention. 37 (97.4%) women reported that they were comfortable discussing their situation with the medical practitioner. 23 (60.5%) believed their experience changed the way they thought about violence in their life.

Conclusions: This study illustrates that health care practitioners can positively affect the way female victims of DV perceive their experiences in the ED. These finding support development of programs and policies linked to routine DV screening in EDs.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of this session, participants will recognize the positive impact health care practitioners can have in addressing violence against women, and will be empowered to advocate for improved services in a clinical setting to victims of domestic violence.

Keywords: Domestic Violence,

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.