What Help is Available for Victims of Domestic Violence?

Victims in the Health Care System in New York

If you are a victim of domestic violence, and use the health care system,including the Emergency Room (ER), Obstetrics and gynaecology doctor/gynaecologist (Ob-Gyn), stand alone clinics, family planning, Prenatal Care Assistance Programs (PCAP), Women, Infants and Children Programs (WIC) etc., you should expect that the provider (the doctor, nurse or social worker):

• May do a universal screening
  
  
  • Private routine screening is recommended for all female patients over the age of 16.
    
    
  • Staff will ask specific questions regarding injuries (if in the ER) or behaviors that they observe

If you answer yes to any of the questions, you should expect that they:

• Will believe your story and support you in your decisions
  
  

• Will provide you with or direct you towards the Victims Rights Notice
  
  
• Will provide you with “Are you and your Baby Safe” brochure during prenatal and post partum situations
  
  
• Will provide you with information on health consequences of domestic violence, domestic violence resources and referrals
  
  
• Will document in the medical record and may ask more specific questions
  
  
• Will not call the police if you do not want to but may assist if you wish to do so

If you have suffered from:

• Bullet or gunshot wounds or injuries that are life threatening they are required to report these to Law Enforcement
  
  
• 2nd or 3rd degree burns and serious respiratory issues, they are required to report to the Department of Fire Prevention and Control
  
  
• Suspect that you may have HIV/AIDS, they have to notify your partner but you can ask for a deferral if you are a victim of domestic violence
  
  
• If your child is also injured then they have to notify Child Protective Services.