STORY PITCH: How domestic violence affects healthcare | WVU Today

Side by side portraits of Ogaga Urhie and Danielle Davidov

WVU medical student Ogaga Urhie and Dr. Danielle Davidov

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What’s the news?
Domestic violence leaves a lasting impact not only on the survivor but also on physicians, healthcare providers, counselors and others. Of the Mindful Physician, an organization for medical students focusing on the impact that arts and humanities have on healthcare, is hosting a community event discussing the intersection of domestic violence and healthcare from multiple perspectives: physician, researcher, rape counselor, survivor and martial arts instructors. The group will delve into topics related to the impact of domestic violence on patients and survivors, patients’ interaction with healthcare and ways to help survivors regain function in their lives.

Quotes and Comments
“As we know that the many aspects of any patient's health do not begin or end in a clinical setting, healthcare practitioners will be best able to serve victims and survivors by understanding their stories: circumstances in which they live, their ambitions, barriers to trust, why they seek healthcare, etc. We can also make ourselves aware of, and appreciate, the contributions of other parties, whether in healthcare or outside, that help victims and survivors regain function and self-esteem in their lives. Doing so will not only help us become aware of how domestic violence presents itself anywhere (hospitals, work, school, church), but also enable us to advocate and act for the benefit of victims'/survivors' health.” –Ogaga Urhie, second-year WVU medical student

“We know that patients experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence are overrepresented in the healthcare system. Addressing this complex issue requires understanding the perspectives of many stakeholders, including victims, their families, advocacy groups, clinicians, healthcare and criminal justice systems, and policymakers. I am currently partnering with survivors of intimate partner violence and members of these stakeholder groups to build capacity for patient-centered research in this area. Together, we hope to develop and test appropriate assessment and response procedures for intimate partner violence in clinical settings and ensure that survivors feel safe and supported by the healthcare system.” Danielle Davidov, MD, assistant professor in the School of Medicine’s Department of Emergency Medicine and the School of Public Health’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Resources
WVU School of Medicine

WVU School of Public Health

Of the Mindful Physician

Danielle Davidov, MD

Link to original story: How domestic violence impacts healthcare

Target Audiences
• Domestic abuse survivors

• Healthcare providers

• Rape and domestic abuse counselors

• WVU students

• Health professions teachers

• Healthcare policymakers

• Law enforcement and criminal justice employees