Domestic and family violence, non-lethal strangulation and social work intervention in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE

To review domestic and family violence (DFV) and non-lethal strangulation (NLS) presentations to an ED with 24-h social work.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 12 months of DFV presentations comparing demographics, perpetrator relationship, social work review, injuries and NLS incidence and assessment.

RESULTS

Women represent 90% of DFV presentations. In 26% of DFV presentations NLS was identified, with 47.5% clinically assessed appropriately. Social work did not review 34% of DFV presentations, 64% due to no referral.

CONCLUSIONS

Social work referral for DFV is regularly missed despite 24-h access. Assessment of NLS in ED requires improvement and standardised national guidelines.