Health Cares About Domestic Violence (HCADV) is a nationally-recognized day that takes place annually on the second Wednesday of October. This year it will take place on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Sponsored by Futures Without Violence (FUTURES), this awareness-raising day aims to reach members of the healthcare and advocacy communities to offer education about the critical importance of universal education to promote healthy relationships, address the health impact of abuse and offer warm referrals to domestic violence advocates.
Medical studies link the long term effects of domestic violence and abuse with a myriad of health problems, such as smoking, diabetes, obesity, eating disorders, and substance abuse. While doctors and nurses routinely ask about high blood pressure and high cholesterol, too few assess for domestic violence and its impact on health. Universal education provides an opportunity for clients to make the connection between violence, health problems, and risk behaviors. Through a brochure-based universal education approach clients seeking services in health care facilities or domestic violence programs can receive information about healthy relationships and where to get help for abuse.
Learn more about HCADV and find out how to get involved here!
