Barriers in screening women for domestic violence : A survey of social workers, family practitioners, and obstetrician-gynecologists

Domestic violence (DV) is a pervasive & serious threat to women's lives & well-being. Medical social workers, family practitioners, & obstetrician-gynecologists are in key positions to screen & offer help. Florida NASW members & board certified family practitioners & obstetrician-gynecologists were mailed a psychometrically tested scale. A total of 388 surveys were analyzed. Education (especially the number of in-service hours) & the presence of institutional supports, decreased barriers to screening, increased screening behaviors, & lead to increased victim identification. Only 20.8% of participants always or nearly always routinely screened for DV; 24.0% reported that routine screening did not apply to their role. Self-Efficacy was the strongest predictor of screening behavior with Fear of Offending, Safety Concerns, CEUs/CMEs, & in-service hours contributing approximately equally to the prediction of screening behavior. Tables, References. Adapted from the source document.