To obtain copies of this Best Practices manual and other resource and training materials contact: the Family Violence Prevention Fund 383 Rhode Island Street, Suite 304, San Francisco, CA 94103-5133
Phone: (415) 252-8089.

Web site: www.fvpf.org

"....Unprecedented attention is being paid to the critical role that health care providers can play in intervening in the tragic spiral of domestic violence by screening, identifying, documenting and appropriately referring those patients who are being abused by their intimate partners."

This Best Practices manual, published in 1997, gives a brief history of the health care response to domestic violence in the United States, along with practical guidelines for establishing a domestic violence program in a health care setting or launching a comprehensive city-wide health care collaborative response. Highlights from pioneering research and advocacy efforts that succeeded in drawing attention to the need for better health care for battered women and routine screening for abuse in health care settings are described in the history section, along with other milestone events that placed domestic violence high on the public health agenda. Controversies surrounding recent California legislation requiring health care providers to report domestic violence injuries to the police are discussed. Case study examples of innovative health care domestic violence programs from around the country--hospital-based programs, training programs, public education campaigns and community-based organizing efforts--provide readers with a wealth of practical information and creative ideas for improving the health care response to domestic violence in local communities. Case study vignettes include descriptions of special domestic violence health care "products" developed by these model programs and how to obtain copies--everything from training modules, protocols and assessment forms to laminated pocket cards, bus placards, and informational brochures in several languages. The manual also provides information about ordering free information packets on health care and domestic violence available from the Family Violence Prevention Fund.

Recommended for health care providers, public health educators, and domestic violence advocates working with health care providers in hospital, clinic, and outpatient settings.