Virtual emergency departments and domestic violence: A new frontier in healthcare and safety

Abstract

Emergency Departments (ED) are critical components of the healthcare system, providing immediate care for acute conditions, injuries and trauma. Individuals who experience domestic violence (DV) face barriers accessing care in traditional EDs. These include fear of retaliation from an abuser, shame, isolation, logistical challenges. Virtual Emergency Departments (VED) have emerged as potential solutions to these challenges. Providing emergency care through telehealth offers an innovative way to meet the needs of patients who may otherwise hesitate or be unable to seek help. This article explores the intersection of VEDs and DV, examining the potential benefits and challenges of using telemedicine to support DV victim-survivors, as well as the ethical, legal and clinical considerations. By focusing on this emerging field, this opinion piece seeks to highlight how VEDs could enhance the way DV victim-survivors access care and the broader implications for healthcare delivery.