[Domestic and sexual violence against women. Implications of WHO guidelines for Germany].

Häusliche und sexuelle Gewalt gegen Frauen. Implikationen der WHO-Leitlinien für Deutschland.

Publisher: Springer Country of Publication: Germany NLM ID: 101181368 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1437-1588 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 14369990 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Berlin : Springer,

Practice Guidelines as Topic*; Crime Victims/*rehabilitation ; Health Promotion/*standards ; Intimate Partner Violence/*prevention & control ; Sex Offenses/*prevention & control ; Women's Health/*standards; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Crime Victims/education ; Crime Victims/legislation & jurisprudence ; Female ; Germany ; Health Policy/legislation & jurisprudence ; Health Promotion/legislation & jurisprudence ; Humans ; Intimate Partner Violence/legislation & jurisprudence ; Middle Aged ; Sex Offenses/legislation & jurisprudence ; Women's Health/legislation & jurisprudence ; World Health Organization ; Young Adult

Domestic violence and sexual violence are widespread and have serious health effects for those affected. If the problem is identified and confidence in responding exists, healthcare providers can make a significant contribution to support and intervention. In 2013 the WHO published evidence-based guidelines for responding to the issue in healthcare, training of healthcare providers and health policy. In principle, the guidelines confirm existing recommendations, best-practice guidelines and handbooks. They also encourage a review and further development-for example, regarding the issue of sexual violence. If and how the present recommendations are put into practice in healthcare and training of healthcare staff can currently be looked at only with the use of examples, given the lack of data in Germany. Examples from Berlin show that implementation is quite possible. However, there is a lack of clear mandate, of sustainability and of obligation. Existing good practice models are highly reliant on organisations' and employees' commitment. For Germany, the WHO guidelines indicate the need to develop national standards for healthcare in cases of domestic and sexual violence. A (legal) obligation for the healthcare system should be drawn up. A systematic embedding in training curricula of health care professions is needed. Quality assurance and a systematic evaluation of the practical implementation are required.

Keywords: Guideline; Intimate partner violence; Sexual violence; WHO; Women’s health

Date Created: 20151010 Date Completed: 20170111 Latest Revision: 20170112

20221213

10.1007/s00103-015-2260-0

26449411