More prevalent for women in the US than breast cancer and diabetes combined, intimate partner violence can significantly impact health. The effects of violence can be long-lasting and severe. In addition to the immediate health impacts of abuse, survivors are more likely to experience asthma, chronic pain, diabetes, and other long-term health impacts.
It’s why health professionals play such an important role in both preventing violence and supporting survivor health. Research shows that survivors are four times more likely to use an intervention after talking with a provider about abuse. And when health providers partner with domestic and sexual violence advocates, these partnerships can help improve the health, wellness, and safety of patients and prevent violence before it begins.
For three decades, the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence has supported health care professionals, domestic violence experts, survivors, and policy makers at all levels as they improve health care’s response to domestic violence.
Through training, technical assistance, and resource development, the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence is building the capacity of health professionals and domestic violence advocates to safely and effectively respond to the health needs of survivors.
Highlighted Resource Center Strategies
Promoting Universal Education on the Health Impacts of Intimate Partner Violence
Providers can talk with all patients about the elements of healthy and unhealthy relationships, the health effects of violence, and resources for support. Using the evidence-based CUES intervention, which stands for Confidentiality, Universal Education, and Support, health providers can help improve health and safety outcomes for survivors.
Building Capacity of Domestic Violence Advocates to Improve Survivor Health and Wellbeing
Serving a vital and unique role in communities, domestic violence advocates have an important opportunity to promote survivor health and wellbeing. The National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence helps build the capacity of domestic violence advocates to partner with health care providers and support survivors to get access to health coverage and care.
Building and Strengthening Partnerships between Health Providers and Domestic Violence Advocates
Health centers and domestic and sexual violence advocacy organizations are natural partners and can work together to support survivor health and prevent violence. Through cross-trainings and warm referrals, providers and advocates can provide comprehensive coordinated care for survivors and their families.
Supporting the Leadership of Survivors of Violence
Each year, the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence brings together 10 survivors of intimate partner violence to participate in a year-long program that builds their leadership to improve healthcare for survivors. The Survivor Leadership Cohort participates in training provided by FUTURES’ staff, advocates for survivor health, and share their experiences to inform and improve how health care is delivered to people who have experienced intimate partner violence.
Developing Resources to Support Health Responses to Intimate Partner Violence
At the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence, you’ll find resources for health providers, domestic violence advocates, and patients. These resources include posters, safety card tools, and infosheets available for download or as hardcopies to order.
