Domestic Violence: New People, New Protocols

Objective: Domestic violence is one of the most serious problems in the US today. Because the injuries often occur in the head and neck area, dentists are frequently the first health care professional consulted. However, dentists have not been at the forefront in identifying and referring victims of domestic violence. Our program, developed for both New York University College of Dentistry students and area practitioners, will attempt to address this problem. It will describe types of domestic violence, their prevalence in society, screening methods, social and cultural issues, referral sources, mandatory reporting laws and current legislative initiatives.

Methods: In small group seminars, we will provide information on how to recognize and refer possible cases of domestic violence. This course will explore general indicators, risk factors, types and patterns. Particular attention will be given to describing injuries to the head and neck. Case histories and a short video will be used to illustrate different types of domestic violence. Because our students will be practicing in an increasingly diverse society, social and cultural issues will be stressed. Attention will be given to overcoming the reluctance on the part of dental practitioners in reporting domestic violence, known as the “Pandora's Box phenomenon.” We will offer two screening models for identifying patients in the dental office, known as the “Radar” and “AVDR” methods. We will discuss legislative initiatives and mandatory reporting statutes.

Results: It is anticipated that this program will result in greater awareness of domestic violence and encourage more students and practitioners to screen and appropriately refer their patients. Surveys will be given to all participants and again one year after completing the program to gauge its effectiveness.

Conclusions: Because dentists currently have a low rate of identifying and referring cases of domestic violence, this program should result in greater screening and referrals.