“Healthcare providers are often the first and/or the only ones to have contact with victims and as such they have the unique opportunity to help break the cycle of violence in our communities,” said Kymberly McNair, a training coordinator for My Sister’s Place.
Students learned the role nurses can play in the care of domestic violence victims and how to spot the signs of domestic abuse, as well as how to document the evidence accurately and provide appropriate medical care.
McNair also reminded students of the financial difficulties and other issues that can prevent victims from leaving an abuser.
“Be ethically and professionally nosy,” said McNair. “Don’t ever say, ‘I know how you feel’ to a patient, because each victim’s experience is unique, nor should you call the police thinking you are helping unless it is required by hospital policy."
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