For people exposed to domestic violence, once of the most significant factors keeping them from reporting their struggle is a feeling of isolation. Nationwide, however, one in four women are victim to physical violence in their lifetime, and in Connecticut, specifically, 12 to 14 women every year die at the hands of a domestic abuser. If you find yourself in a traumatic environment at home, the doctors at women's health centers are trained to help you leave your circumstances on your terms. Here are ways that these providers can support you during this difficult period.  

What Is Considered Domestic Violence? 

Abuse at home can take many forms. Whether it's caused by a caregiver, parent, spouse, intimate partner, or another family member, domestic violence can leave you depressed, anxious, isolated, and violated.  

Experts typically divide domestic violence into four types: 

• Physical abuse: when a family member uses physical force to harm you. Hitting, kicking, and biting are all physical abuse. 
• Sexual abuse: any forced sexual activity, even if the perpetrator is someone who you have consensually had relations with in the past. 
• Emotional abuse: actions that threaten your mental wellbeing. This type includes threats, persistent criticism, put-downs, and even periods of negligence created with the mission of causing you emotional harm. 
• Controlling behavior: any action aimed at limiting your free will. Controlling your finances or your associations with friends or family both constitute abuse. 

Domestic violence is illegal nationwide, but it requires you to report it for your circumstances to change. Your doctor can be a confidante that can help you escape a volatile situation at home. 

How Your Doctor Can Help 

Intimate Partner Violence Screenings 

Women's health centers are a valuable resource for a variety of needs, particularly in domestic violence situations. Doctors at these centers are trained to look out for signs of domestic abuse as well as enact Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) screenings when they suspect something is wrong. Physical injuries, such as cuts, bruises, missing teeth, burns, bite marks, or ruptured eardrums, as well as a decline in mental health, indicate to a physician that you might need help.  

Many healthcare providers will make IPV screenings a standard practice with all patients, regardless of perceived problems. During an annual check-up, they may go over a few standard questions outlining potential domestic violence issues. IPV screenings are either self-administered—the patient fills out a questionnaire—or a doctor provides an interview-like format.  

Reporting Domestic Violence 

Even if domestic violence isn't brought up in the conversation with your doctor, women's health centers are a safe space, and their providers are trained to help guide you out of dangerous situations at home. Coming forward with this information, especially when the offender is someone you love, is an incredibly difficult hurdle to overcome, but acknowledging your distress is the first step to removing yourself from a dangerous environment at home.  

When you are in a situation where your partner is controlling, they may likely join you at your appointments at a women's health center. Doctors often have measures in place that still allow you to report abuse without your partner knowing. When you provide a urine sample in the bathroom, for example, that may be the only occasion you have privacy during the whole visit. In the bathroom, doctors can implement signage for domestic violence hotlines. Some women's health centers have even provided a specific colored marker to identify your urine sample; if you use that color, it signals to the medical staff that you are asking for help in a domestic violence situation.  

You can also ask to speak to your doctor in a separate room if you want to discuss the matter free from your partner. If you report domestic violence, it will become part of your medical record, and doctors can use medical language that will mask the situation from a non-doctor that reads your file while still making a note of your current circumstances. 

Confidentiality 

Your doctor can also keep your report of domestic violence confidential if you choose not to report it to the authorities. However, if a weapon or a child is involved, it is your physician's responsibility to alert the police. If and when a doctor believes that it is time to contact the authorities, they will likely have a candid conversation with you outlining why. Ultimately, a patient has a right to reject, but it also important to remember that a doctor has your best interest in mind and would only suggest this measure if they are concerned for your wellbeing.  

Your doctor can also connect you to resources for support, including shelters for domestic violence victims as well as social workers. This outreach can help you formulate steps to make leaving your abuser feasible. Again, you only have to capitalize on these resources when you're ready, but receiving them can help inform you of your options. 

 

If you find yourself in a violent relationship at home, a women's health center is a vital resource to help you leave your partner. In Groton, CT, Thameside ObGyn Centre can provide domestic violence victims with support and resources. Whether you're ready to go to the police or just need someone to talk to, their doctors are trained to handle your situation compassionately and confidentially. For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (860) 445-5107.