The Institute for Family Violence Studies within the Florida State University College of Social Work, with a multidisciplinary partnership, launched a unique online prevention curriculum and resource site for medical professionals on domestic violence.

The National Prevention Toolkit on Domestic Violence for Medical Professionals is available for free and accessible to the medical community. The website went live on March 27^th, 2014. EMTs and Paramedics in the State of Florida beta tested the curriculum and earn continuing education credit for taking the training.

This online tool, sponsored by the Verizon Foundation, contains two trainings: a one-hour training on the basics of domestic violence, and a one-hour training on screening patients for domestic violence. Due to the high number of domestic violence victims who seek medical care, and the inclusion of screening for domestic violence in recent legislation and policy, it is imperative that medical professionals are aware of the dynamics, signs, and public health crisis of domestic violence.

Essential partnerships between FSU and the Trauma One/University of Florida Health Jacksonville, The Illinois Society for Advanced Practical Nursing, Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, The Peach Project of Georgia, and countless emergency medical technicians and paramedics throughout Florida have provided feedback, advice, and direction for this project.

“Our EMTs are exposed to domestic violence throughout their careers,” said Rebecca Melvin of Trauma One at the University of Florida, “These invaluable resource now gives EMTs in Florida the tools they need to assess, assist, and refer patients who may be victims of violence.”

Physicians, nurses, EMTs, and other medical professionals will be able to participate in the online training and can earn continuing education credit through their accrediting board. This vital training will help medical professionals serve victims of domestic violence and increase patient safety and well-being.

“Research tells us that victims benefit from receiving medical assistance and referrals from medical professionals. We want to ensure that medical professionals are comfortable, confident, and able to provide the best patient care possible,” Karen Oehme, JD, Director of the Institute for Family Violence  Studies asserted.

To access The National Prevention Toolkit on Domestic Violence for Medical Professionals visit dvmedtraining.csw.fsu.edu. And, learn more about what the Institute for Family Violence has to offer at familyvio.csw.fsu.edu.