Trauma-informed hospital security: a policy for intimate partner violence in a pediatric healthcare setting

Abstract

Background: Increasing numbers of providers are adopting “trauma-informed approaches” in patient care models to address intimate partner violence (IPV), but most hospitals’ security policies and practices do not incorporate trauma-informed approaches. Pre-existing security culture and differing approaches to trauma-informed care necessitate policy-level interventions. To support the physical and emotional safety of IPV survivors within the hospital environment, the security leaders at our tertiary-care, inner-city pediatric hospital expressed the need for a trauma-informed IPV security policy. Methods: Policy development was conducted by our workgroup consisting of the Security Operations Manager, Director of our hospital’s IPV task force who is also a Pediatric Emergency Medicine physician, IPV advocates from our community partnership agency, our hospital’s IPV specialist, a trauma-informed expert, a social worker, and a Master of Public Health graduate student. Biweekly video conference meetings were held to iteratively and collaboratively refine elements throughout policy development. Results: The policy encompassed four sections: (I) how to ensure safety for all individuals affected by IPV, (II) how to refer individuals impacted by IPV to resources, (III) maintaining confidentiality, and (IV) reporting to local law enforcement. Two job aids were also created entitled “implementing a trauma-informed approach” and “de-escalation techniques”. Conclusions: Creating a trauma-informed, IPV security policy is integral to bridging gaps between hospital security and healthcare providers, and providing a framework for accountability and standard of care. Engagement from security leaders is necessary for changing perceptions and attitudes towards trauma-informed approaches and creating a culture more supportive for survivors of IPV.