A Domestic Violence Screening Program in a public health department

Abstract

Domestic Violence (DV) is a public health problem with far-reaching effects for society. Local public health departments typically serve high-risk populations and have a unique opportunity to provide routine DV screening to all clients receiving services. This project piloted a DV screening program in the family planning clinic of a local public health department. Two interventions were required; the first was a 2-hr inservice program for family planning clinic staff. The second intervention consisted of development and implementation of the screening program. A comprehensive DV curriculum was developed and carried out at an inservice prior to the implementation of the screening program. Screening was evaluated over a 4-week period in the health department. Of the 182 women who were screened for DV, 21 (11.5%) screened positive for DV.