Domestic violence is a silent epidemic, affecting tens of thousands of New Yorkers every year. As a nurse, you are not only a caregiver—you are often the first trusted professional a survivor meets. Every patient interaction is an opportunity to screen for abuse, provide education, and connect individuals with life-saving support.
“Nurses are often the first safe person a survivor encounters. That trust is powerful—don’t underestimate it.” — NYS Domestic Violence Advocate
Why Nurses Are Key in DV Prevention
Survivors don’t always present with visible injuries. Some show signs such as anxiety, frequent unexplained visits, sleep disturbances, or chronic pain. That’s why routine, compassionate screening in a private setting is essential—even when there are no obvious signs. It’s also important to understand that legal definitions of domestic violence—such as those used in criminal statutes or protective order processes—are often narrower, focusing primarily on physical harm or sexual assault. However, from a public health perspective, intimate partner violence (IPV) encompasses a much broader spectrum of behaviors that negatively impact health and well-being. These include emotional abuse, social isolation, intimidation, stalking, reproductive coercion, and other forms of coercive control. These behaviors may not leave visible marks but can have profound physical and psychological effects. Nurses equipped with this broader understanding are better prepared to identify, validate, and respond to survivors in meaningful ways.
In New York State, Public Health Law §2805-z requires hospitals to screen for domestic violence and establish referral protocols. But nurses across all settings—from school nurses to primary care—can and should play a vital role in early identification, education, and connection to support.
Best Practices for Nurses
- Make Screening Routine and Private; Ask every patient—privately and without partners present.
- “Because violence is common in many people’s lives, I ask all my patients: Do you feel safe at home?”
- Use a Trauma-Informed Approach; Let the patient guide the conversation. Validate their experience without judgment: “I believe you. You’re not alone, and help is available when you’re ready.”
- Document Clearly; Stick to facts. Use quotes when possible. Avoid assumptions. This protects both the patient and the healthcare provider.
- Know Your Local Resources; Each county in NY has at least one designated domestic violence program offering services like shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and safety planning.
- Support Without Pressure; Patients may not be ready to act. It’s also important to remember that leaving does not equal safety in IPV. Abuse is often escalated post separation. Your role is to keep the door open and provide resources they can use when and if they’re ready.
“Every time you screen, you’re opening a door. Even if they say no today, they’ll remember your compassion tomorrow.”
— NYS ER Nurse
New York State Resources for Nurses
24/7 NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline
• Call: 800-942-6906
• Text: 844-997-2121
• Chat: opdv.ny.gov
📚 Training & Education
OPDV Online Courses for Healthcare Providers
NYS Domestic Violence Program Directory
Quick Tip: A universal notification approach is a critical counterpart to screening. Post hotline information, educational posters, pamphlets, and local resources in waiting rooms, break rooms, bathrooms, and exam rooms. Survivors may see it and understand that you are a safe person to talk to. Even if they don’t speak up right away they may make a plan to disclose at a later encounter.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)—a time to honor survivors, raise awareness, and strengthen our collective commitment to prevention and support. Throughout the month, local domestic violence programs across New York State will be hosting events, vigils, trainings, and community actions. We encourage nurses and healthcare practitioners to show their support by attending a local event, sharing resources, or simply starting a conversation within your facility. Connecting with your regional DV program is a powerful way to build partnerships and better serve patients experiencing abuse. Explore events happening in your area by visiting NYSCADV’s calendar.
Join Us This Fall For Our Prevention Summit
To explore how healthcare intersects with violence prevention, ANA-NY members are invited to attend the 2025 Primary Prevention Summit, hosted by NYSCADV on November 17–18, 2025, at Rivers Resort & Casino in Schenectady, NY. Learn more and register here.
Sessions will focus on:
- Trauma-informed care in clinical settings
- Building healthcare-community partnerships
- Addressing health equity in prevention
“You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to open the conversation.”
Nurses are not expected to fix domestic violence, but your compassion, your questions, and your ability to connect patients to support can change—and even save—lives.
About NYSCADV
The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) works to prevent and end domestic violence through policy advocacy, training, and coalition-building. We partner with advocates, survivors, and professionals—including nurses—across New York to promote safety and justice for all. Learn more at www.nyscadv.org.
