Main objective
To outline how health services can respond effectively to domestic violence, and thereby help to identify and reduce domestic violence and its consequences.
The guidelines will cover violence against both children and adults, and take into account vulnerable groups.
Subsidiary objectives
- Contribute to strengthened knowledge among health care professionals regarding symptoms, injuries and circumstances which should lead to a suspicion of violence
- Give advice on routines that increase the likelihood of domestic violence being identified in the health care services
- Describe best practice for further assessment when there is a suspicion of violence, and recommend actions to be taken as well as relevant co-operation to ensure those involved receive adequate help and follow-up
- Provide an overview of the relevant laws and regulations
- Give practical advice for procedures in cases where domestic violence is part of the problem in line with ethical principles and the legislation to ensure the patients receives help quickly and adequate follow-up
Method
The recommendations will be developed according to evidence based practice.
The guidelines will be developed by three working groups; one for children and one for adult victims of violence and one for perpetrators of violence. The work will be reviewed by a reference group of health workers with a varied background and of experienced professionals from collaborating institutions.