Public health is a term used to refer to measures, strategies, and models that are used to promote the wellbeing of people through prevention of diseases and elimination of factors that pose threats to their health. The main aim of public health is to improve the health of people and consequently their quality of life. One of the most common factors that affects families and poses threats to their well-being and quality of life is violence. Domestic violence is classified as both a crime and public health issue (Taylor-Brown, 2001). The dangers of domestic violence include physical injuries, child abduction, emotional disturbance, and mental disorders. This issue mainly affects women and children who are usually the victims. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 billion children in the world are victims of domestic violence (Taylor-Brown, 2001).
Risk identification and safety planning is a primary prevention intervention that protects mothers and children from the negative effects of domestic violence (Taylor-Brown, 2001). It involves identification of family members who are in danger of being abused by other family members. In many cases, this involves women and children. Men are also victims of violence. However, few cases have been reported. Children are the most affected because they can be victims of abuse or can be affected through exposure to the abuse of their parents. In addition, children cannot help themselves out of such situations. Therefore, it is important for children to get protection from exposure to domestic abuse. After risk identification, a public health practitioner finds a way to keep the abused family members safe.
Risk identification is an important aspect of eradicating domestic violence because many women who are battered do not seek help. Therefore, they put their children at risk of undergoing similar experiences. During risk identification, a health practitioner discusses with the victim about the consequences of violence to them and their children (Taylor-Brown, 2001). They try to convince them to take certain safety measures in order to protect their children. After the health practitioner has established the existence of domestic abuse, he/she then explores various options of safety planning. Safety planning involves creating strategic plans on how to save the mother and her children from abuse (Taylor-Brown, 2001). The most effective remedy of domestic abuse involves separating children from the abusive parent or guardian. Saving children from child abuse protects them from many dangers that include physical injuries that require medical attention, emotional disturbances, and mental disorders (Taylor-Brown, 2001). In addition, women who undergo abuse are at higher chances of abusing drugs and alcohol. Psychological effects of domestic violence include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Effects of violence have severe health outcomes on children especially if they do not get help early enough. The health outcomes of this intervention include prolific psychological development and reduction of the risk of drug and substance abuse.
Domestic abuse is a critical public health issue that affects many people in the world. Women and children are the most vulnerable. Risk identification and safety planning is a primary intervention that aims to protect victims of domestic abuse. It involves identification of people who are victim of abuse and protecting them from further abuse. This intervention protects children from health outcomes that include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, as well as drug and substance abuse.
Reference
Taylor-Brown, J. (2001). What Works in Reducing Domestic Violence: A Comprehensive Guide for Professionals. New York: Whiting & Birch.