Interesting...Domestic Violence Monitoring at Dr.'s Office

MrsCase1

This morning at our anatomy scan, when the tech saw all my bruises from my blood thinner injections, she immediately asked, "Why are you covered in bruises?" My husband and parents were both in the room so I replied, "From injections, not domestic violence." I literally did not think that's where she was going with it but she WAS!

She told me, "We take physical abuse very seriously and it is one of the things we remain dilligent in looking for throughout your entire pregnancy." Abuse is very serious so I am glad my doctor's office monitors for it. That said, if she thought there was a chance, she should've asked when she didn't have an audience because if I WAS abused, I likely wouldn't confess in front of the most likely culprit.  

jessicaclare

My OB's office asks me about this all the time. Apparently pregnant women are more likely to be abused? I'm surprised she asked you in front of other people though.

reebs1229

I'm very glad its something they monitor, though I agree that she should have asked you privately. Its not like you would just point to your husband and shout "Its him!" (which I understand, it really wasnt)

 

I remember at my post-partum checkup they asked me questions regarding DV in addition to screening for PPD.  

Matt Dvorak

the little book I was given when I first got pregnant had a section on domestic abuse in it - I guess it's a common concern during pregnancy. That is weird that your doctor asked you with others in the room - when I was a kid and broke my collar bone they made my mom leave the room to ask those questions.

Temp123197812503460

wow, interesting that they would ask you with them in the room! I had to go to the emergency room recently (pre pregnancy), and my dh went with me.  They wouldn't let him go into the back with me at first, they took me back and handed me a clip board that had a question written on it about domestic violence.  They told me to answer yes or no.  Only then did they go get dh and let him wait with me.

Even though it was totally unrelated (I had a scare about a blood clot) I was impressed that they do that, and in such an organized way (they use the clipboard since people could hear through the curtains in the ER).  I'm glad that they are doing everything they can to help people in that situation.

StefandTodd

My H is not permitted to come back to the room with me at our appt's until I complete a little form (at EVERY appt) that asked yes/no have I been hit, kicked, beaten, etc...and yes/no have I been forced into sex, etc.  After I check the little boxes "no," they will usually go get him and let him come back to the room with me.

At the last one, they actually had me check the little boxes, then I had to wait for my doctor who came in and asked if I was having any depression, emotional problems, etc.  Once I said "no," she went and got my H from the waiting room.

I appreciate that they're doing this for those who need it, but honestly the last time I got pretty annoyed by it.  I have to remind myself they do it for everyone, and it's b/c so many pg women are abused by their partners...it just feels like they believe he's guilty until proven innocent or something, and it makes me feel sort of protective for him.  He wouldn't harm a fly, let alone his pregnant wife.  Just sad, for so many people, that the statistics give them reasons to be so concerned.

trinab4103

I acutally sit on the board of trustees for our county domestic violence shelter. Its SCARY how many abuse situations sky rocket once the woman is pregnant. Aparently two things happen - 1) The money issue creates the H/partner to become anxious and frustrated and 2) If the abuser is already of the self absorbed nature (as most are) then they become instantly jealous of the unborn child, hence taking it out on the mother.

We see more pregnant women in the shelter then I even care to discuss, so sad!

The stats are up from 2 years ago, it used to be 1 in every 4 women experienced DV in their life, now its up to 1 in every 3!

Matt Dvorak

trinab4103:

The stats are up from 2 years ago, it used to be 1 in every 4 women experienced DV in their life, now its up to 1 in every 3!

wow - that is way higher than I would have guessed.  

annaduck

My OB has NEVER asked about DV.  My husband goes to every appt with me and is always allowed back right when I am.  Even the one appt he didn't go to, I wasn't asked about abuse. 

However, when I have been asked in the pre-pregnancy (he was asked too at the ER once) they always make the partner leave the room. 

megd06

Most hospitals when you go into labor, will hand you a card asking if you are a victim of DV--and to nod, etc. (They don't want anyone in the L&D room who might cause problems). So yes, they definitely take it very seriously!

J&MsMom

I read a stat that the number one cause of death of pregnant woman is domestic violence.  I am glad doctors are being so diligent.