Can screening for domestic violence be introduced successfully in a sexual health clinic?
BACKGROUND
Domestic violence is reported frequently when Australian women are surveyed and is associated with poorer health outcomes on a variety of measures. Routine screening for domestic violence is a strategy designed to both prevent domestic violence and provide an opportunity for early intervention.


METHODS
Following staff consultation and training, a 1-month pilot of routine screening for domestic violence (RSDV) of all female patients was conducted in a large sexual health clinic.


RESULTS
Following the evaluation of this pilot, RSDV was introduced in 2003 for all new female patients. Of the 3244 women eligible for screening, 2893 (89%) were screened. Of these, 254 (8.8%) identified domestic violence.


CONCLUSIONS
Routine screening for domestic violence is feasible in a sexual health clinic population. High screening rates were achieved and high rates of domestic violence were identified, providing an opportunity for intervention.
McNulty
Anna
A
Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital, South-eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service, GPO 1614, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia. anna.mcnulty@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Andrews
Paul
P
Bonner
Michelle
M
D000328:Adult; D018585:Battered Women / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*