Friday, June 9, 2023
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This clinical update is a tool that can be used to learn how to identify, assess, educate, and treat women who are or have been victims of violence. Both the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggest that healthcare providers screen patients for violence.[1,2] This tool can be used as an end unto itself, but ideally, additional training would be the necessary next step. Although this update contains information that guides the provider on the role he or she can take as well as background information about violence and its effects on women, it cannot serve as a substitute for the actual experience of in-person or interactive training. Role-plays that are offered during such a training session are invaluable, as they give a provider the opportunity to practice discussing sensitive issues and saying difficult words aloud. Training offers providers the chance to practice asking patients about violence and work on their responses to women who disclose violence. A list of topics that can be used to develop a comprehensive training for providers is found in the section "Training Component"; in addition, the sidebar "Resources for Healthcare Providers" lists 4 centers available for training.
