Physical trauma and stress can create an environment that causes women to behave in ways harmful to their health. Smoking, substance abuse, poor nutrition and delayed prenatal care are a few examples. A third book, titled Woman Abuse and the Canadian Criminal Justice System, examines the interaction of physicians with the justice system. Understanding the medico-legal interface is important, as many abused women and their children find themselves revictimized by the justice system after separation. Rather than ending the violence, women face a host of new problems that range from escalating separation violence to efforts to prove them an unfit mother and place the children in the care of the batterer.
Research indicates there is a great deal of overlap among different forms of violence in a family.
This emerging national organization, under the leadership of Dr. Nigel Flook, and the support of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, is gaining momentum as a major national advocacy program against violence. Its core group of family doctors and paramedical professionals met recently in Calgary to develop an accredited program. DOVE's mandate is to increase awareness among physicians and the public by information and training seminars, to change public attitudes and collaborate with multidisciplines to reduce violence overall. The ultimate goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment for our children, our families and our communities. Mano Murty is past-president of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada and a consultant for the DOVE project and Health Canada's handbook.