Domestic violence: diurnal mismatch between need and availability of services.

Publication/Presentation Date

3-1-1996

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a diurnal discordance exists between need and availability of services for victims of domestic violence.

METHODS: A consecutive sample of women presenting to a municipal hospital ED with physical injuries suspected to be related to domestic violence were entered into a registry. Date and time of presentation and perceived need for services information were collected from all patients who answered affirmatively a screening question for domestic violence and whose conditions did not preclude administration of the data collection instrument. The Social Service Departments of all of the 53 911-receiving hospitals in New York City were contacted to ascertain availability of social services for victims of domestic violence by time of day.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight of 32 (88%; 95% CI: 71%, 97%) victims of domestic violence presented to the ED during hours other than weekday 9 AM to 5 PM. Of these, 63% desired counseling, 32% lacked a safe place to go, and 82% had children. Of those who had children, 48% were concerned for the children's safety. In-hospital social services were universally available weekday daytime (9 AM to 5 PM) but were available in only 11% of hospital (95% CI: 4%, 23%) at other times.

CONCLUSION: Approximately nine of ten victims of domestic violence presented to the ED during hours when only about one hospital in ten can provide the special services these patients require. A marked diurnal mismatch appears to exist between availability of domestic violence services in New York City and the need for these services as measured by a representative sample drawn from an ED population.

Volume

3

Issue

3

First Page

246

Last Page

251

ISSN

1069-6563

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

8673781

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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