Where Can Your Patients Turn for Help?

According to a recent article in the Journal of Women's Health and Gender-Based Medicine (2000;9[4]:405-411), more psychiatrists than physicians in other specialties see themselves as the best source of information for victims of domestic abuse. In addition, psychiatrists hold strong beliefs about the importance of the physician's role in helping such victims. The following is a listing of national hotlines and Web resources you can use to assist your patients in finding additional help:

• Family Violence Prevention Fund
  (415)252-8900
  

• National Coalition for Domestic Abuse Awareness
  (800)725-4470
  <www.domesticabuseawareness.org>

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  (800)799-SAFE, (800)787-3224 (TTY/TDD)
  

• Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
  (800)656-HOPE
  

• Violence Against Women Office (part of the U.S. Department of Justice)
  (202)307-6026
  <www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo>4/01
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