Some GPs said the idea was "crazy" and would insult patients. But a similar scheme run in Middlemore Hospital's emergency ward in 1995 indicates that the system may work.
The trial was initiated by the Auckland School of Medicine injury prevention research centre and the alcohol and public health unit.
Yesterday, project coordinator Janet Fanslow said the trial was successful although it had targeted only women whose injuries were potentially abuse-related.
Before the trial, emergency staff identified that 2.8 per cent of injured women had been hurt by partners. Afterwards, that figure rose to nearly 5 per cent. A key factor was ensuring that staff knew where to refer the women once abuse had been identified.
"This new system could work very well, but without the health professionals knowing where the best followup care is, it is not going to work at all," Ms Fanslow said.
The three-month pilot scheme included a month training staff how to refer patients to appropriate welfare groups.
Ms Fanslow said that when she went back to Middlemore a year later to see what had happened without the scheme, a smaller number of abuse cases were being picked up.
Meanwhile, some men say they should also be asked if they are abuse victims. Darrell Carlin of the Tauranga support group Men and Their Children says the number of men being abused by partners is growing.
Herald Online feature: violence at home
Donations to the
Safe and Sound Appeal
can be sent to PO Box 91939, Auckland Mail Centre
Free phone: 0800 946 010
* * *
Herald 0900 voteline question:
Should doctors ask all women patients if they have been abused?
Ring 0900 700 50, then 1=YES or 2=NO.
