One way to break the cycle of violence is to document injuries with a picture, but have patients sign a consent form before taking photographs. Let victims know that like any medical photograph, the photo will stay with the medical record. Should the record be brought into court, the photos may provide legal evidence of abuse. When taking photos, move in close to the wound or bruise and fill the frame with the area you are documenting. Both the patient and photographer should sign and date each photo.
Nurses are on the front lines of help for battered women.
Their support of abused women can be critical. Nurses who ask the right questions and provide knowledge of community domestic violence resources have the power to advocate for victims of violence. Domestic Violence Awareness Public Outreach Project. Collaborative booklet from National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Family Violence Prevention Fund, and National Domestic Violence Hotline project. Greenfield LA, Rand MR, Craven D, et al.