Case Study: You are working in the emergency department when a 15-year-old female presents with obvious bruising of the face and upper extremities. She is crying and reports that her boyfriend punched her in the face and grabbed her by the arms last night during a fight they had.
What are your priority actions?
What anticipatory guidance should the nurse provide to this client regarding intimate partner violence?
Being a mandated reporter, who should the nurse notify regarding this incident?
What support is available for this client after discharge from the emergency room?
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Priority Actions
Assess the client’s injuries and provide any necessary medical care.
Assess the client’s safety and make a plan to ensure her safety after discharge.
Provide emotional support and resources to the client.
Document the incident and notify the appropriate authorities.
Anticipatory Guidance
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious problem that can have long-term physical and emotional consequences.
It is important to remember that you are not alone and there are resources available to help you.
You have the right to be safe and to live free from violence.
If you are experiencing IPV, there are things you can do to protect yourself:
Get help from a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor.
Call a domestic violence hotline, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).
File a police report.
Get a restraining order.
There are also resources available to help you heal from the emotional and psychological effects of IPV, such as counseling and support groups.
Mandated Reporting
As a mandated reporter, you are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. In this case, you would need to report the incident to the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS).
Support After Discharge
There are a number of resources available to help clients who have been victims of IPV after they are discharged from the emergency room. These resources can provide emotional support, safety planning, and help with accessing housing, employment, and other services. Some of these resources include:
Domestic violence shelters
Counseling services
Support groups
Legal aid
Financial assistance programs
If you are a victim of IPV, please reach out for help. There are people who care about you and want to help you get through this.
