Perceptions and knowledge of health care professionals towards domestic violence against women in Georgia

Abstract

Background. Georgia is a state with a high prevalence of domestic violence. The health industry has a significant impact on the reaction to domestic abuse. It should concentrate on a number of issues, including spending, health regulations, and specialized training for medical personnel. Because doctors and other healthcare professionals are the first in line of contact with victims of violence, they should be prepared and well-trained to detect and respond to domestic abuse. They should be able to spot the warning signs and give their patients the first care they need. 

Aim. Our study aims to determine how health professionals in Georgia perceive and act on domestic violence against women. 

Methods. During the study, we have interviewed doctors from two big city in Georgia -Tbilisi and Gori, and two major types of methods will be used: interview and desk research. Within the interview, e-questionnaires will be sent to all participants online. SPSS version 22 would be used for variables to analyze.

Results. Study revealed that physicians interviewed in our study affirmed not to have appropriate knowledge and perception to identify domestic violence/intimate partner violence victims. They do not feel comfortable to talk about gender violence with a patient and have difficulties to find a proper referral service due to the lack of awareness or lack of service availability in the country. Our study has indicated an overall difference between knowledge about IPV in the capital city and another big city, medical practitioners from Tbilisi have higher knowledge about the problem than medical practitioners from Gori. 

Conclusions. More action on domestic abuse needs to be taken by the health system, including referral networks, coordination, protocols, and guidelines, as well the relevant training of doctors.