Understanding barriers to screening for domestic violence in emergency departments

Barriers to Screen for Domestic Violence among Women in Emergency Department

NIH-funded research Medstar Health Research Institute · NIH-11057740

This study is looking at how healthcare workers can better spot and help women experiencing domestic violence, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, so they can provide better support when women come to the emergency room for care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedstar Health Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hyattsville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11057740 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the challenges faced by healthcare providers in identifying and screening women for domestic violence (DV) in emergency department settings. It aims to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the reporting and recognition of DV cases among women seeking medical care. By analyzing these barriers, the research seeks to develop strategies that can enhance the ability of healthcare professionals to recognize and respond to DV effectively, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The study will involve collaboration with healthcare providers to gather insights and develop training programs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic violence and seek care in emergency departments.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as women or who have not experienced domestic violence may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification and support for women experiencing domestic violence, potentially saving lives and reducing the cycle of abuse.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeted interventions in healthcare settings can significantly improve the identification and support of domestic violence victims, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Hyattsville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.