Healthcare Providers: Communication is the Key to Bringing CPV to Light

Healthcare workers are on the front lines when people suffer from violence in their home.  Effectively communicating with patients will assist in broaching the subject of child-to-parent violence (CPV).  The stigma and the feelings of shame victims of violence experience can make communication with the healthcare provider difficult and often times painful.  

Avoiding conversation and not recognizing family violence, including CPV, can result in unnecessary testing, misdiagnosis, and further harm to the victims (New York City Mayor's Office [NYCMO], 2004).  Another consideration is cultural influence on communication and the conversations with possible victims.  “It is critical to optimize your interaction with patients from different cultural groups. Culture influences a patient’s belief system, emotional expression and behavior” (NYCMO, 2004).  

Take these steps facilitate conversations about family violence including CPV:

• Educate yourself about child-to-parent violence
• Recognize that this form of family violence is likely much more prevalent than is currently acknowledged
• Know that the parents and child need help
• Keep in mind help can only come if the abuse is recognized and parents are willing to discuss their abuse
• Begin with open ended questions
• Be non judgemental while listening to responses
• Do not downplay parents’ concerns and remember that serious harm can be imposed upon a parent by their child
• Know local resources for referral and provide follow up care

A study by Salcedo-Barrientos et al. (2014) reported on the seemingly low disclosure rate of domestic violence and pointed out the following issues:  “lack of education and training of health care professionals; failure in the identification and intervention process due to bias on their personal problems, [and]moral attitudes.”  Learning to communicate in an open and unbiased manner is imperative when healthcare providers are dealing with CPV.  The stigma surrounding CPV can be amplified by the health care provider’s lack of sensitivity to the victims and family members.  

References:

Salcedo-Barrientos, D.M., Miura, P.O., Macedo, V.D., & Egry, E.Y. (2014). How do primary health care professionals deal with pregnant women who are victims of domestic violence? Revista Latino Americana de Enfermagem. 22(3), 448-453. doi: 10.1590/0104-1169.3108.2436.

New York City Mayor’s Office. (2004).  Medical Provider’s Guide To Managing The Care of Domestic Violence Patients Within a Cultural Context.  Retrieved from http://www.nyc.gov/html/ocdv/downloads/pdf/Materials_Medical_Providers_DV_Guide.pdf