Domestic violence. Implications for the American College of Nurse-Midwives and its members

Abstract

Domestic violence, as well as other forms of violence against women, has received increased attention from many sectors of society in the past two decades. Estimates that one fourth to one half of all women in the United States are victims of some type of violence are startling. There exists today a broad-based recognition of and response to the impact of violence on the workplace, the health care community, and the woman survivor and her children. Public health, corporate, and government initiatives are actively seeking solutions to address this most destructive dynamic. The education of health care providers to assess women appropriately for the potential of abuse-including proper intervention, documentation, and referral-has become an essential component of health care. As a recipient of a 3-year federal grant to educate students and practicing nurse-midwives in the United States about the issue of domestic violence, the Special Projects Section of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) has joined the ranks of concerned provider organizations. The primary goal of the project is to promote and enhance universal screening of all women who present for midwifery care. The role of the certified nurse-midwife and other women's health care providers and the role of ACNM in responding to the issue of domestic violence, including future goals and expectations, are discussed.