This paper provides a brief overview and synthesis of recent efforts to improve the health care response to domestic violence in our rural communities . . . Rural health care providers and policy makers are increasingly accountable for their actions in the area of domestic violence, yet little effort has been made to provide them with the appropriate tools to improve their practice and programs. This report is an effort to provide such attention and tools. After a brief overview of why rural health practitioners and program managers should be concerned about domestic violence, this paper will briefly highlight several emerging policy concerns that are confronting the rural health community in the arena of domestic violence response, and describe some encouraging local, regional and national efforts to address them. And finally, a brief list of Recommendations and a more extensive Resource list are provided to assist both the direct service provider and the program planner to develop improved health care responses to rural domestic violence.
Domestic violence knows no geographic boundaries.
Battered women living in rural areas have many of the same experiences as battered women everywhere. However, certain experiences and barriers exist that are unique to rural settings. Everyone knows it's there, but they refuse to acknowledge it. The staff can also provide information and referrals for a variety of non-emergency services, including counseling for adults and children, and assistance in reporting abuse. They have an extensive database of domestic violence treatment providers in all US states and territories.