Domestic violence screening in a public mental health service: A qualitative examination of mental health clinician responses to DFV

Abstract

What is known on the subject?• Mental health clients experience higher estimated rates of domestic violence, yet mental health services are less likely to screen for domestic violence. What the paper adds to existing knowledge?• This paper qualitatively explores the perspectives and experiences of mental health practitioners in inpatient and community teams in a publicly funded hospital and health service (i.e. public mental health service).• Mental health practitioners described a lack of domestic violence training, as well as a lack of knowledge of domestic violence and support mechanisms for victims, when domestic violence is disclosed by clients.• The paper highlights the unique difficulties and barriers experienced by clinicians in screening for domestic violence while also dealing with clients suffering a mental health crisis. What are the implications for practice?• The paper sheds more light on the issue of domestic violence in mental health in terms of screening, and identifies avenues for improvement in mental health services; particularly the need for staff training and education.

Social determinant factors and access to health care for women experiencing domestic and family violence: Qualitative synthesis

“…A recent qualitative study of health professionals working in an Australian mental health service reported a perceived lack of domestic and family violence training, and a perceived lack of knowledge about domestic violence and the available services to support people when domestic violence is disclosed (Gillespie et al, 2022).…”

“…Participants reported that screening for domestic and family violence was not something that they 'automatically' considered as part of their care (Gillespie et al, 2022).…”

“…In Australia, routine screening for domestic and family violence is not mandatory, although it is strongly encouraged during pregnancy (Australian Government, 2018). A recent qualitative study of health professionals working in an Australian mental health service reported a perceived lack of domestic and family violence training, and a perceived lack of knowledge about domestic violence and the available services to support people when domestic violence is disclosed (Gillespie et al, 2022). Participants reported that screening for domestic and family violence was not something that they ‘automatically’ considered as part of their care (Gillespie et al, 2022).…”

Harnessing Health Information Technology in Domestic Violence in the United States: A Scoping Review

“…Previous literature highlighted the lack of training provided for healthcare providers to screen DV cases, thereby weakening their ability to probe DV questions and the lack of empathic listening skills during consultations. As such, DV survivors easily suffer from delayed treatment or referral from physicians [57]. For future endeavors, DV training development can extend the targeted participants to more healthcare professionals who might be poorly equipped, such as new nursing staff, social workers, or counselors during the orientation program.…”