Eight months ago, the Violence Protection Competence Center and outpatient clinic were opened in the Innsbruck clinic. The leaders take stock and say, “Violence is not just a punch!”
According to a recent study, more than 26 percent of patients in the emergency department of the Innsbruck clinic are affected by domestic violence. Not only women, but especially – 70 percent. Tyrol’s largest hospital therefore opened a competence center for violence protection including an outpatient clinic about eight months ago, which is unique in this form in Austria. In addition to medical help, victims also receive psychosocial care and substantiated evidence in the event of a complaint – reports the “Tiroler Krone”.
Now, in line with the start of the global campaign “16 Days against Violence against Women”, the two heads of the center, Klaus Kapelari and Thomas Beck, take stock in the Apa interview. “The center has gotten off to an alarmingly good start. Since March this year, 194 patients have been cared for, including 83 children and adolescents. A total of 510 psychological interviews were conducted,” the duo reveal.
“Nothing is done here that you don’t want to do”
It has often been shown that in affected children the cycle continues and there are other affected people in the family environment. Kapelari and Beck reveal additional figures: five of the 65 cases of domestic violence also involved children. Underlying partner violence was found in five of the 83 child protection cases.
“Among adults, 70 percent were women and 30 percent men – of all ages. Actually from birth to death, if you think, for example, of addiction problems in expectant parents,” explains medical director Kapelari. In principle, a ‘gap’ could be closed with care for the families. And: A total of 20 cases were subsequently reported to the police.
According to Beck, head of psychology, the most important thing we want to convey to those affected is: “Nothing is done in the competence center that you do not want to do.” of violence, it is also about training staff and raising awareness. It happens again and again that patients come to the outpatient clinic with symptoms that cannot be immediately attributed – for example, an actually healthy 34-year-old with high blood pressure. “This is where it’s important to ask ‘why’ and be vigilant,” says Beck.
The proportion of those affected by psychological violence is high
Doctors are also surprised by the relatively high percentage of people who experience psychological violence. This is also an important starting point for necessary training, both in the medical training sector and for other professional groups such as teachers. “Violence is not just a blow,” Kapelari reminds us.
For more far-reaching prevention that starts as early as possible, introducing corresponding questions in the parent-child pass would be advantageous. “Here, stressful situations could be quickly identified and certain risks could be limited accordingly – keyword: shaken trauma,” explains the medical director.
The established code word “Dr. Viola” has also found its way to the clinic in Innsbruck. “Contrary to the original intention, this is not primarily used for acute emergencies, but rather to provide accessible information about experiences of violence,” say Kapelari and Beck. After an accompanying explanation, the staff knew exactly what to do. “About once a month the clinic calls Dr. Viola’ asked.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
