Utilization of the 911 system as an identifier of domestic violence

This cross-sectional study was performed to determine (1) whether female vi ctims of domestic violence (DV) are more likely to use the 911 system than nonvictims (NVs) and (2) whether DV and NVs call 911 far different reasons so that 911 may be used as a screening tool for abuse. The study was perfor med in an academic adult urban emergency department (ED). Ambulatory female patients presenting to the ED were studied. Eligible patients were adminis tered a brief survey by trained research assistants. Questions included (1) history of DV, (2) relationship of assailant to victim, (3) chief complain t, and (4) use of the 911 system. Records of 911 calls were obtained by pat ient's address. pour hundred sixty one women were enrolled in the study. On e hundred seven (23%) reported a history of DV. intimate partners accounted for 67.2% of assailants. DV victims were more likely to be single and youn ger (P < .05). Of DV victims, 77% reported calling 911 for any reason in th e past 2 years compared with 47% of nonvictims (difference = 30%; 95% CI, 1 9%, 40%). DV victims were more likely to call 911 than nonvictims for defin ite and possible cases of domestic dispute (1.4 v 0.5 calls, P = .007; 11.7 v 6.1 calls, P = .0003). Victims and nonvictims did not differ in the numb er of nondomestic dispute calls (8.4 v 6.2 calls; P = .15). DV victims were more likely to access the 911 system and call for domestic disturbances co mpared with nonvictims. 911 calls may serve as an indicator of ongoing abus e and may identify women at risk, providing a potential opportunity for int ervention. (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company.