FACTORS THAT INCREASE LIKELIHOOD OF VIOLENCE IN THE FAMILY ANDSEEKING FOR HELP AT FAMILY PRACTITIONER. PILOT STUDY ABOUTVIOLENCE IN THE FAMILY

BACKGROUND With this survey we wanted to explore the willingness of the patients to convey their experience of abuse in the family and to study the differences in patient reports and doctors’observations on domestic violence. METHODS A cross-sectional study on family violence included 27 Slovenian family practitioners,who screened each fifth consecutive patient in the period of 14 days. 1103 patientswere surveyed. We identified the frequency of the violence (as reported by the patients to a trustworthy person, i.e. their family physician), the readiness of the victims of violence toseek help, the sensitivity of the physicians to this topic and their qualifications/aptitude forimmediate help/intervention. RESULTS 30 % of involved persons confirmed experience of physical and/or psychical violence andwith every fifth person physician did nothing, despite being asked for help. Every fourthanswer to the question “What would you do if a victim of violence would come to you forhelp” is direction to psychiatrist. That probably reflects perception of doctors` professionand their competence. 1/10 of persons sought medical help because of being exposed toviolence. Physicians offered support and conversation to victims in 1/3 of cases, 1/10 ofvictims got sick-leave and hospitalization. 1/5 of them were sent to psychiatrist and for1/20 physician prescribed antidepressants. In every ninth case physicians noticed policeand social service. In 1/5 of cases the physician did nothing. CONCLUSIONS The study showed that investigation of medical files and evaluations of physicians aboutpossible factors, which increase the possibility of persons being exposed to violence are notso useful. Physicians are not equipped well enough to give needed help and support topersons exposed to violence in the family. Physicians do not feel that they are the right oneswho should in their practice help victims of violence