Citation

Ambuel B. J. Aggression Maltreat. Trauma 1997; 1(2): 55-81.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J146v01n02_04

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Intimate partner violence-assault by a spouse, espouse, intimate friend or ex-friendis the most common cause of injury for women and a serious public health problem. As a result, the American Medical Association has recognized physicians' ethical obligation to diagnose and treat partner violence, and called for new models of training. In this article, we review literature on the health care system's response to domestic violence. We then describe the Family Peace Project, a community oriented model for training health care professionals to identify, treat and prevent partner violence in primary health care settings. This training program provides knowledge clinical skills and a sense of professional empowerment. Unique features of this program include: involvement of community mentors (survivors of family violence) as program faculty; training in specific clinical skills and protocols for screening, assessment and intervention; a hands-on assessment of community resources; community service; and, creation of an award winning web site to promote dissemination of the training program.