Evidence-Based Practice Protocol: Domestic Violence

Evidence-Based Practice Protocol: Domestic Violence and Hispanic Women

Evidence-based Practice

Domestic violence (DV) accounts for about 30% of all acute injuries to women treated in emergency departments, as it currently constitutes a critical public health concern, not only in the United States (U.S.), but worldwide. Some studies indicate that Hispanic women are more likely to be injured during intimate partner violence incidents than non-Hispanic women, with scholars agreeing that DV among Latinos must be addressed as it constitutes a serious problem among the Latino growing population.

Research reveals that utilizing emergency room protocols to identify and treat victims of domestic violence increases the identification of victims by medical practitioners. Although a high percentage of female victims of domestic violence visit emergency rooms for treatment, low and underreported incidents, however, complicate current concerns that counter domestic violence detection assessed in clinical environments.

Nevertheless, researchers recognize the value of domestic violence screening in general practice and primary care as an effective method of identifying and responding to domestic violence cases presenting to emergency departments. In light of the need to better assess domestic violence, this Capstone presents considerations for the development and implementation of an evidence-based practice protocol (EBPP) to help fill this critical contemporary need.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT

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LIST OF ABBRIEVIATONS