Conspicuous by their absence: paramedics' role in responding to children exposed to domestic violence
Stephen Bartlett
Queensland University of Technology
Stephen Bartlett has over 18 years’ experience in healthcare in the United Kingdom and in Australia. His qualifications include LLB (Hons), LLM in Legal Aspects of Medical Practice. He is a PhD candidate at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), previously representing QUT in the Three Minute Thesis competition on his PhD topic. Stephen is also a full-time lecturer at Queensland University of Technology on their paramedic degree program. He is the author of a book chapter on child abuse and neglect specifically written for paramedics. He is the director of TMMR PTY LTD responsible for BusyShift; a healthcare app designed specifically for nurses and midwives.
Abstract
Objectives The study develops a new understanding of the role of paramedics in relation to children exposed to domestic violence (EDV). Paramedics’ public health involvement in the front-line of domestic violence (DV) and... [ view full abstract ]
Objectives
The study develops a new understanding of the role of paramedics in relation to children exposed to domestic violence (EDV). Paramedics’ public health involvement in the front-line of domestic violence (DV) and EDV is significant. Currently little is known about paramedic responses to EDV; given the prevalence of DV and paramedics’ operational environment, this study explores paramedics’ own experiences to better understand their role in intervention and prevention of EDV, including the intersection with polyvictimization. This study aims to add to the evidence base historically focused on emergency department’s identification of DV which fails to capture the paramedic role in relation to child victims of DV.
Method
Semi-structured face to face interviews with paramedics were carried out in the State of Queensland, Australia to elicit paramedics’ understanding of DV and EDV; their experience in attending scenes of DV and what, if anything, they do to intervene in and/or prevent acts of violence against children.
Results
Paramedics do respond to DV and rely on personal values when they respond to EDV. This is demonstrated in the breadth of their response in absence of clear policy and defined strategies. There is evidence of polyvictimization; paramedics identify neglect more readily and acknowledge that EDV is challenging and complex. Paramedics recognize their involvement but uncertainty exists in relation to their role and responsibilities. Paramedics value further training in this area.
Conclusions
Paramedics will benefit their communities through further training to help them treat DV and identify and respond to EDV. Paramedics believe an inclusive approach to inter-agency cooperation is necessary, and better feedback from agencies is essential in relation to reporting and referring EDV and other forms of child abuse and neglect. In summary, paramedics are an established resource and are currently underutilized in terms of intervention and prevention of EDV.
Authors
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Stephen Bartlett
(Queensland University of Technology)
Topic Area
Multi-disciplinary Interagency Approaches (MDIA) and Child Protection Units [Micromanageme
Session
Oral 14 » Session 1-Domestic Violence (11:00 - Tuesday, 3rd October, Antarctica Room)
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