RT Article
T1 The Evaluation of a Domestic Abuse Response Team Program in an Emergency Department
JF Journal of family violence
VO 39
IS 8
SP 1473
OP 1486
A1 Kurbatfinski, Stefan
A1 Letourneau, Nicole
A1 Luis, Mayara Alves
A1 Conlin, Jennifer
A1 Holton, Michelle
A1 Biletsky, Ronnie
A1 Hanrieder, Robynne
A1 Hansen, Julie
A1 Barber, Barbara
A2 Letourneau, Nicole
A2 Luis, Mayara Alves
A2 Conlin, Jennifer
A2 Holton, Michelle
A2 Biletsky, Ronnie
A2 Hanrieder, Robynne
A2 Hansen, Julie
A2 Barber, Barbara
LA English
YR 2024
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1907051201
AB PurposeDomestic abuse (e.g., family violence) occurs globally and increases the risk for lifelong adverse health outcomes for all members involved. Although victims of domestic abuse often refrain from seeking support due to various reasons (e.g., fear), health centers such as emergency departments (EDs) can serve as outlets for assistance. The Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) is a program working collaboratively with a regional hospital center in Alberta, Canada, uniquely providing immediate, expert, and patient-oriented services (e.g., safety plans) to domestic abuse victims within the ED. This study aimed to evaluate the DART program by: (1) using administrative data to characterize ED and DART patient characteristics and (2) examining staff perceptions about DART’s operations, effectiveness, challenges, and improvements.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was used to collect data from April 1st, 2019 to March 31st, 2020. Quantitative data consisted of descriptive statistics on patient and staff characteristics and qualitative data was collected through two surveys to determine perceptions of the DART program.ResultsApproximately 60% of ED patients were screened for domestic abuse and 1% were referred to DART, of which 86% were female. All referrals received support within an hour and were provided patient-oriented assistance. Qualitative data revealed that the DART program offers important support to patient victims, increases comfort around dealing with domestic abuse, and decreases ED staff workloads.ConclusionsThe DART program offers valuable support to domestic abuse victims. Staff reported that DART is effective in providing victims with immediate care and services while also supporting ED staff.
K1 Services and support
K1 Screening
K1 Emergency department
K1 Violence
K1 Domestic abuse
DO 10.1007/s10896-023-00562-2