Health care’s role in domestic violence intervention |
Encouragement | “I knew I am not the first woman nor going to be the last woman to be assaulted.” |
“I felt that I have enough courage to speak out.” |
Promise of change | “A step forward to help women” |
“We should start talking about it so that we can start thinking of solutions.” |
“Break the silence.” |
Feeling supported/relieved | “I feel that someone is caring.” |
“Psychological satisfaction as I got relieved from a major burden” |
“When the woman victim of violence has the courage to talk openly and frankly about what is happening in her life, she will be relieved.” |
“Her morale and psyche will be better.” |
“She has so many problems on her head and should not face them alone.” |
Confidentiality | “They (health care professionals) don’t know me and this makes me feel more comfortable.” |
Intrusion | “Interference in private affairs” |
“Outsiders should not get involved in personal issues.” |
“The woman should solve her problems alone.” |
Shame | “I felt ashamed.” |
Men’s response |
Indifference | “It is the last of their worries.” |
“Even when there is infertility problem in the family, he doesn’t check himself as he thinks his manhood will be affected.” |
Encouragement | “Men may look at it positively as there is a professional involvement aiming at improving his relations with his wife.” |
“Not all men are bad; there are men who are active in community problems.” |
Denial | “Men will not accept that women have started to gain rights.” |
“Men like to look like angels; such a step will destroy this image.” |
Increase in violence | “He may forbid her from coming to the health center.” |
“He may beat her anyway; women are not expected to make scandals and expose the house privacy.” |
“He may beat the doctor.” |
Inquiry about domestic violence |
First establish the physician-patient relationship | “So the woman would feel more confident talking” and “trust is being built” |
“He knows when he is not in a hurry and has enough time to listen.” |
Physicians are trusted | “The doctor has seen my naked body so why can’t I talk to him about my problems?” |
“I trust my doctor more than I trust my neighbor, I talk to him and he usually guides me to what is best for me to do.” |
Social workers are trusted | “She has the right to interfere in family problems.” |
”She can get into the house and the brother or husband would not feel she is against him.” |
Responding to domestic violence disclosure |
Support | “He can provide power and energy.” |
“Although he cannot abolish violence and sometimes cannot provide solutions, he can listen to her and provide her with medications that help her.” |
Guidance and awareness | “The woman should find out how to solve her issues but she can refer to him for advice.” |
“Unlike other people, the doctor provides advice with care and confidence, he relieves the suffering and makes the woman feel better.” |
“He can make her aware that she is suffering from the violence she is living in because she may not recognize this.” |
“Refer [victimized women] to professional organizations or psychological support team.” |
Action | ”He can write a report and the aggressor can be punished.” |
“He can talk to the man and ask him why he is doing this [being violent].” |
“Communicate with the police.” |
Competence is expected | “My neighbor was beaten by her brother, but in the hospital, the treating doctor did not ask her about the bruises; she was upset with the physician and felt unprotected.” |
Cultural and community barriers and suggested solutions |
Cultural barriers | “The society forces women to wear a mask.” |
“Culture and tradition forbid us from speaking.” |
“The way women are brought up, they are not allowed to raise their voice.” |
“Ridiculous, we are subject to insults even on the street.” |
Fear of scandal | “It is not easy to face the scandal.” |
“She will be the talk of the town if she speaks.” |
Free or low-cost resources | “Women don’t have many resources.” |
Community awareness campaign | Highlight “improving family relationships” rather than “fighting against domestic violence.” |
“Give lectures on healthy relations within the family and specifically among couples so that the violent man doesn’t feel he is being targeted.” |