BWSS World Health Day 2019 initiative #SomeMenBreakMoreThanHearts is designed to raise awareness of violence against trans/women and non-binary folks in intimate relationships, and provide resource kit to family physicians throughout B.C. to help doctors better identify and respond to those who may be experiencing violence in their intimate relationship. Because violence in relationships is a health issue.
The statistics about violence against trans/women and non-binary folks in intimate relationships are staggering—and general practitioners are often the first person the violence is disclosed to.
– Over 50% of all women in Canada have experienced physical or sexual violence.
– 40% of the women who have experienced intimate partner violence reported physical injuries, including bone fractures and internal injuries.
– More than half (54%) of trans women and non-binary people experience some form of intimate partner violence, including acts involving coercive control and physical harm.
– In BC, an average of 232 women per year are admitted to a B.C. hospital for severe injuries from intimate partner violence.
– 1 in 5 women make their first disclosure of violence in an intimate relationship to their general practitioner
– But many women are afraid to tell anyone: only 21% of women reported intimate partner violence to a nurse or a doctor during their lifetime.
The resource kit for general practitioners, available here, is designed to help doctors better identify and respond to those who may be experiencing violence in their intimate relationship; and offer resources that are available for support, including immediate safe places to go, crisis support, and ongoing counselling.
Earlier this year, Angela Marie MacDougall, Executive Director at BWSS presented at a seminar for UBC Medical School Residents in advance of their graduation. The presentation provided concrete steps that general practitioners can take when supporting patients who have experienced gender-based violence.
Book a presentation or workshops for your organization, class or group here.
