Citation

Marks J, Markwell A, Randell T, Hughes J. Emerg. Med. Australas. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and Australasian Society for Emergency Medicine, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1742-6723.13519

PMID

32358907

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review domestic and family violence (DFV) and non-lethal strangulation (NLS) presentations to an ED with 24-h social work.

METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 12 months of DFV presentations comparing demographics, perpetrator relationship, social work review, injuries and NLS incidence and assessment.

RESULTS: Women represent 90% of DFV presentations. In 26% of DFV presentations NLS was identified, with 47.5% clinically assessed appropriately. Social work did not review 34% of DFV presentations, 64% due to no referral.

CONCLUSIONS: Social work referral for DFV is regularly missed despite 24-h access. Assessment of NLS in ED requires improvement and standardised national guidelines.

© 2020 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine.

Language: en

Keywords

domestic and family violence; emergency department; social work; strangulation