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

Finally, we come to the last aspect of your care:V. REFERRALYou'll want to prepare a short list of local resources to give to patients who have been battered.It is recommended that the list be printed on a card that can be folded into the size of a businesscard so that it may be kept out of sight in the patient's wallet or shoe. In small centres, it may beappropriate to include resources in surrounding areas to help ensure the patient's safety and privacy.(In Saskatchewan, such a list exists ready-made in every DirectWest phone book in the province(just show your patient the Abuse Help Lines page near the front—she should already have onein her DirectWest phone book at home), and at HPP Saskatchewan(http://www.hotpeachpages.net/canada/canada1.html). For help in making such a list anywherein the world, see the Hot Peach Pages at http://www.hotpeachpages.net.) Reviewing with thewoman what to expect from each of the agencies will make it more likely that she will seek helpfrom one of them.Resource/Referral listThe list could include names, addresses and telephone numbers for:• transition houses (see next page for more information)• support groups for battered women• financial aid• victim's services and legal aid• multicultural and First Nations services• counselling services and crisis lines• sexual assault centres• policeReviewing with the woman what to expect from each of the agencies will make it more likely thatshe will seek help from one of them.34