from the July 26, 2010 issue of Connect

Preventing Domestic Violence at Every Opportunity

Dr. Robin Mason

In an emergency, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) need to be prepared for anything, including situations of domestic violence.

But are they trained and prepared to do so? That’s what Robin Mason, PhD, scientist at Women’s College Research Institute, asked in her latest study, recently published in the Emergency Medical Journal.

She found that 65 per cent of EMTs surveyed attend 10 to 20 domestic violence calls per year. Over 85 per cent said they wished they had more training and education to respond.

“EMTs have close contact with victims of domestic violence yet it is surprising how little education they receive on the issue,” said Dr. Mason. “As first responders, EMTs are uniquely positioned to help abused women by not only treating them but by providing support, resources and information.”

The researchers believe that with the right training, EMTs could routinely identify, report and assist victims of violence in the pre-hospital setting.

“We hope that from this research all EMTs will begin to receive specific education on domestic violence in the near future,” added Dr. Mason.

To help victims of domestic violence when at the hospital, Women’s College has resources like the Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Care Centre (SA/DVCC) that provides emergency treatment, followup care and counselling services.

And to ensure Women’s College staff and physicians are prepared to respond to domestic violence if necessary, Dr. Mason and colleagues have developed an online training tool that teaches how to identify and support victims.

“If health-care professionals are prepared to support the victims of domestic violence, we can continue to not only reduce its prevalence, but prevent it,” said Dr. Mason.

For more information on Women’s College Research Institute, click here.