Assessment Procedures used by Healthcare Professionals to Identify Abuse in Women with Disabilities
Issues of violence and abuse are primary concerns for many women throughout the world. Although many studies pertaining to violence against women exist, they often neglect to consider the disability status of their victims. Because there is very little information on the risk of abuse, experiences of abuse, and barriers to seeking help for women with disabilities, these women are experiencing unmitigated suffering caused by the long-term occurrence of the abuse. Due to the role of the healthcare provider to influence the patient's health behaviors through counseling, a solution to eradicating unreported abuse can begin with informed healthcare professionals, who are skilled in identifying abuse in women with disabilities. This study presented themes from literature reviews and meta-analysis of literature pertaining to women with disabilities and violence, as well as several existing assessments for abuse in people with disabilities. The self-perception of women with disabilities was found to be influenced by issues such as societal perceptions and self and sexual esteem. The Abuse Assessment Screen-Disability (AAS-D) presented key identifying questions that could be implemented into health screenings, similar to the medical history form distributed to most patients in healthcare settings before their treatment begins. Through small implementations such as screenings issued along with medical intake forms, healthcare professionals can become equipped with the necessary tools to serve all women with disabilities.
School:
University of Arkansas
Department:
Health Science
Research Advisor:
Diane L. Smith
Department of Research Advisor:
Kinesiology
Year of Publication:
2007