This is one of my areas of interest. I hope to become more involved in efforts to eradicate domestic violence. One of the startling things from my residency was the high prevalence of abuse towards women in the form of physical, sexual, & verbal/mental. Many women hadn't sought help before seeing me. It was especially true for the Latino population. Many were recent immigrants who didn't know what resources were available in addition to facing language barriers.
The first step is being about to talk about it. Women have to feel comfortable bringing up the issue of domestic violence with their physicians. Physicians have to be willing to set aside time to inquire about it. The majority of the time I found out because I asked.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
2004 marks the 10th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). First passed as part of an omnibus crime bill in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act improved domestic violence laws and authorized nearly $5 billion in federal spending for domestic violence programs; legal assistance; rape preventions and education programs; training for law enforcement, judges and medical personnel (NCADV). 2004 also marks the beginning of a year-long campaign to reauthorize VAWA next year. We look forward to working with our members to educate members of Congress about the importance of programs aimed at reducing violence against women.
National Mammography Day – October 15th
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the third Friday in October each year is National Mammography Day. On this day, or throughout the month, radiologists provide discounted or free screening mammograms. In 2004, National Mammography Day will be celebrated on October 15. To learn which facilities in your area are taking part in the event, call:
American Cancer Society
(800) 227-2345
National Cancer Institute
(800) 4-CANCER
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
(800) 221-2141
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3 comments:
This is such an important issue, the cycle of violence needs to be cut.
I am amazed by the several kinds of abuse that some women see as normal. The manipulation that some of them are subjected to is almost criminal.
Its great that as a doctor you will probably be the catalyst that a lot of these women need. I think that a big part of the problem in Latino culture is that turning the abuser/victimizer in to authorities is a contradiction of the 'Familia' ideals and values, you know blood is thick than water--its viewed as a betrayal of family.
CFW.ORG
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