Many abused women who leave violent partners face financial difficulties, resulting in housing choices that are suboptimal. They may have to choose between partner violence and living in a dangerous neighborhood. Often their children must go to inferior schools. In fact, women may decide to stay, or leave, based on the welfare of their children. Community Resources Women want physicians to be well-informed about community services and be able to appropriately refer abused women to these resources.
Most communities have local domestic violence programs designed to help women.
Legal aid, assistance with social services, safety planning and counseling are some of the services that many domestic violence programs provide or to which they can refer clients. Physicians might consider having someone in the office call a domestic violence program and ask about services and procedures. Better yet, they might invite a staff member from such a program to talk to their whole office staff about what services are available for abused women. Physicians may feel more comfortable asking about partner violence and be more effective in referring women if they have a clear idea about the available resources. What Doesn't Help Abused women have discussed what actions don't help.