WHO publishes clinical handbook for health care providers on responding to VAW

The World Health Organization (WHO) has designed a clinical handbook to help health care providers respond safely to women who have been subjected to violence.

Health care for women subjected to intimate partner violence or sexual violence: A clinical handbook was released on 24 November 2014 for field testing. The handbook provides practical guidance on how to implement the 2013 WHO Clinical and Policy guidelines, Responding to intimate partner violence and sexual violence against women. Health care providers are encouraged to access the handbook and provide feedback to ensure the final publication is useful, user-friendly and effective.

The handbook offers steps and suggestions to help health care providers assist a woman who has been subjected to violence. The handbook is divided into four parts:

• Awareness about violence against women
• First-line support for intimate partner violence and sexual assault
• Additional clinical care after sexual assault
• Additional support for mental health.

The handbook also provides job aids to assist the health care provider, such as questions to assess immediate risk of violence, safety planning questions, a referral chart, physical exam checklist and a pocket reminder card.

Dr Claudia Garcia-Moreno from the World Health Organization said "Health-care providers can send a powerful message – that violence is not only a social problem, but a dangerous, unhealthy, and harmful practice – and they can champion prevention efforts in the community."

Dr Garcia-Moreno also co-led the recent Lancet series on Violence Against Women and Girls.

Media

WHO says virginity tests must stop end, Stuff, 03.12.2014

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