Medical
Advocacy


Domestic violence victems are routinely seeking care for medical complaints related to battering. Lacerations, broken bones, and emotional problems are all too often treated without an attempt to uncover the underlying cause. Emergency rooms are not the only health care settings in which victims of domestic violence seek care. Obstetic health care, mental health, orthopedic, and dentists are some of the professionals that victims come in contact with.

Domestic violence presents unique challenges to the health care system and requires specialized responses from health care providers. The SWAN health care advocate provides immediate response to victims who enter the health care settings.

Before providers are able to effectively and efficiently respond to patients exeriencing domestic violence, they must first understand the nature and dynamics of domestic violence. Providers also need to understand the impact on victims, children, and the community as a whole. The SWAN health care advocate will provide domestic violence training and support to any health care professionals.