Introduction
Title
Involving the Health Care System in Domestic Violence: What Women Want. Based on the topic, Usta, Antoun, Ambuel, and Khawaja (2012) are likely to discuss the strategic role of health care professionals in tackling the problem of domestic violence in order to ease the suffering of women. Also, they are likely to point out the importance of providing competent services that align with the needs of the women bearing in mind domestic violence is a family issue and can be very sensitive to the victims and the offenders.
Intended audience
The audiences for the publication are nurses, doctors, social workers who come into conduce with abused women. Bearing in mind that the healthcare system is very diverse, the audience may also include other indirect stakeholders such as advocacy groups, health care scholars, journalists, family counselors, and government institutions that constantly interact with victims of domestic violence.
Writer background
The authors of the article have professional experience in the field of family and medicine. Jina Usta, a doctor of medicine (MD) and master of public health (MPH), and Jumana Antoun (MD) work at the Department of Family Medicine, the American University of Beirut. Bruce Ambuel is a PhD holder and works at the Department of Family and Community Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin. Finally, Marwan Khawaja is PhD holder and is affiliated with the Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut. Therefore, the professional qualifications of the writers give them unique authority in the field.
Writer’s angle
When discussing domestic violence, the key issue that comes to mind is its implications on the victim as a part of the family; therefore, the topic centers on the role of the healthcare system in the context of domestic violence.
The one-sentence summary
Usta et al. (2012), who have professional experience in the field of family medicine, points out the importance of integrating socially accepted means to break the silence related to domestic violence; this is attained through a qualitative investigation to understand the perception of women regarding the involvement of the health care system in the management of domestic violence.
The one-paragraph summary
Usta et al. (2012), who have professional experience in the field of family medicine, points out the importance of integrating socially accepted means to break the silence related to domestic violence; this is attained through a qualitative investigation to understand the perception of women regarding the involvement of the health care system in the management of domestic violence. Competent involvement of the health care professionals provides women with a good environment to air their sufferings. This serves as the first step in breaking the silence about domestic violence. The involvement helps in breaking the cultural and community barriers.
The multiple-paragraph summary
Usta et al. (2012), who have professional experience in the field of family medicine, points out the importance of integrating socially accepted means to break the silence related to domestic violence; this is attained through a qualitative investigation to understand the perception of women regarding the involvement of the health care system in the management of domestic violence. The involvement of the healthcare care system in addressing the problem of domestic violence encourages and relieves women of suffering. Usta et al. (2012) wrote, “…it is a promise of change; as one participant observed, it will be “a step forward to help women” that will “show women they are not alone” (p. 216). Also, the authors underscored the need for the health professionals to uphold confidentiality that should be based on a good relationship between the victim and the healthcare giver as it is the basis for ensuring trust.
In order to further break the silence, competency and the ability to provide emotional and material support to the victims is very critical for the health professionals (Usta et al., 2012). For example, the physicians should write reports to relevant authorities so that the offender can be brought to book. Social workers and nurses should also participate by listening, counseling, and raising awareness about domestic violence, and there should be follow-ups to ensure continuity of the support.
Your reaction
The article by Usta et al. (2012) highlights the major challenges faced by victims of domestic violence and the need to involve the health care system in addressing the problem. I agree with the key points that the authors put forward as the basis for addressing the problem. This is because their arguments are research-based; hence, they provide important knowledge on the field-based victims’ perspective. The use of the first-hand narration of the victims makes the article persuasive in advancing the main points. The publication is well structured and has various heading that makes it easy for the audience to follow and understands the key issue being raised. Besides, the authors have authority in the field based on their education and work experiences. Reading the publications, I felt more concerned and had an in-depth understanding of the issue. This is due to the way the authors presented the problem by getting views from Lebanese women. The use of headings and well-illustrated tables make the document more effective in passing the information.
Reference
Usta, J., Antoun, J., Ambuel, B., & Khawaja, M. (2012). Involving the health care system in domestic violence: What women want. Annals of Family Medicine, 10(3), 213–220.