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Domestic violence and health care: opening Pandora's Box - challenges and dilemmas
Lavis, Victoria J. Horrocks, Christine Kelly, Nancy Barker, V.
Lavis, Victoria J.
Horrocks, Christine
Kelly, Nancy
Barker, V.
Publication Date
2005-08
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© 2005 SAGE Publications Ltd.The final, definitive version of this paper has been published in Feminism and Psychology. Vol. 15, No. 4, pp.441-460 by SAGE Publications Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Abstract
In this article we take a critical stance toward the rational progressive narrative
surrounding the integration of domestic violence within health care. Whilst changes in
recent UK policy and practice have resulted in several tangible benefits, it is argued that
there may be hidden dilemmas and challenges. We suggest that the medical model of care
and its discursive practices position women as individually accountable for domestic
violence-related symptoms and injuries. This may not only be ineffective in terms of
service provision but could also have the potential to reduce the political significance of
domestic violence as an issue of concern for all women. Furthermore, it is argued that the
use of specific metaphors enables practitioners to distance themselves from interactions
that may prove to be less comfortable and provide less than certain outcomes. Our analysis
explores the possibilities for change that might currently be available. This would
appear to involve a consideration of alternative discourses and the reformulation of power
relations and subject positions in health care.
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Accepted manuscript
Citation
Lavis V, Horrocks C, Kelly N et al (2005) Domestic violence and health care: opening Pandora's Box - challenges and dilemmas. Feminism and Psychology. 15(4): 441-460.
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