Recognition and Response: Violence and Abuse in the Healthcare Setting

Domestic violence is a critical yet often undetected issue in healthcare settings. Recognizing signs of intimate partner violence (IPV) can be challenging, especially when patients present with vague symptoms or are reluctant to disclose their experiences. In this 1-hour CME/CE course, Dr. Suzanne Harrison provides clinicians with the tools to approach this sensitive topic with confidence and compassion.

Participants will gain insights into the prevalence and patterns of domestic violence across different populations. The course covers practical clinical strategies, including validated screening tools, culturally competent diagnostic approaches, and key signs and symptoms that should prompt further assessment. The course also emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages disclosure and outlines community resources clinicians can use to support victims of abuse.

This course meets state-mandated continuing education requirements in Domestic Violence for physicians, physician assistants, and nurses practicing in Florida, Kentucky, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia.

Educational Objectives

• Define intimate partner violence and describe the continuum of abuse across the lifespan.
• Cite statistics and prevalence rates related to abuse and violence in clinical populations.
• Utilize screening tools and culturally sensitive diagnostic questions to assess for abuse.
• Identify key signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of domestic violence.
• Discuss the importance of creating a clinical environment conducive to patient disclosure.
• Identify and refer to local and national community resources for victims of violence.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is recommended for:

• Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Nurses practicing in Florida, Kentucky, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, and the District of Columbia.
• Healthcare providers working in emergency medicine, primary care, OB/GYN, mental health, pediatrics, and family medicine.
• Clinicians are required to complete state-mandated Domestic Violence CE for license renewal.
• Any provider looking to develop trauma-informed, culturally competent approaches to identifying and supporting victims of abuse.

Did You Know?

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. [CDC, 2022]
• Only 7–10% of victims of domestic violence are identified by healthcare professionals. [American Family Physician, 2021]
• Trauma-informed care increases the likelihood of patient disclosure and builds stronger therapeutic relationships. [SAMHSA]
• Early intervention in IPV cases reduces long-term physical and mental health complications. [NIH, 2020]
• All 50 U.S. states have domestic violence hotlines and community organizations available to support victims and clinicians.