Working with Battered Women: a Handbook for ... - Hot Peach Pages

Women Who Are Returning HomeAbused women who are returning home will need a list of telephone numbers of emergencyand counselling services for abused women. In some cities or areas, shelters or other serviceproviders have produced cards that contain listings of emergency numbers, shelters for abusedwomen, and counselling programs. If none are available, you should provide the women with thename and number of the police, the closest battered women's shelter, and the name and number ofany agency in your area that offers support programs for abused women. You should review withher how the services operate so she will feel more comfortable in accessing them.Safety PlanIt is important to ask the woman if anyone has ever talked to her about a safety plan for her andher children. A safety plan is a simple checklist that assists the woman in making necessarypreparations for fast and safe escape when violence occurs. It is important to review a plan withthe woman and if it is safe for her, to give her a copy to take away (see next page).• Help the patient "problem solve" specific concerns about her safety and where she will bestaying after discharge from the emergency department or after leaving your office.• If the patient will be returning to a living situation that may expose her to abuse in the future,recommend that she prepare a safety bag to keep hidden in a secure place such as at a friend'shouse or in a closet. In the bag should be items such as clothing for the woman and herchildren, cash for taxis and telephone calls, and important telephone numbers. Documentationsuch as passports, visas and birth certificates for herself and her children, legal papers, marriagelicense, bankbooks and insurance papers should also be taken or photocopied.• Discuss how the patient can protect herself during an attack, although it should be noted thatthis may not prevent injury. This includes calling 911 immediately, protecting the head andabdomen by curling up and placing the hands over the head, yelling loudly and continuouslywhile being hit, ensuring in advance that a neighbour will call for help if he or she hears anysounds suggesting an attack is occurring.30