how does the hospital take care of women victims of violence?

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Over the first eight months of 2024, the emergencies of the Quimper Cornouaille Hospital Center (Chic) helped 43 women victims of violence. “This figure is already 30% higher than that of the whole of 2023,” comments Mathilde Degenne, emergency doctor referring to violence against women.

This increase is undoubtedly explained by better support. For several years now, Chic professionals have been following training on violence against women, particularly those in the public health center, the mother-child center, emergencies, etc. These caregivers in turn disseminate good practices to their colleagues, thus making it easier to identify victims.

Pregnancy: a risky period

“In the emergency room, we have also gotten into the habit of almost systematically asking if the patient is a victim of violence. Which was not the case before,” says Mathilde Degenne. At the mother-child center, this question has been asked for several years now.

“Pregnancy is a special period when future mothers become aware of the seriousness of this violence for herself and for the child. It is also a period when violence increases. »

But the blows can also be spotted during any hospital consultation. Professionals then call on referring social workers. “For a year and a half, the Regional Health Agency has been funding part-time work on this theme,” explains Mathilde Squiban, social worker. She travels to any department to listen to victims, guide them, and give them all the necessary contacts.

“Some people don’t want to talk the first time. But after two or three times, they dare,” says Marianne Le Floc’h, midwife coordinator of the woman-child center.

A room for shelter

Le Chic has also just opened a room dedicated to victims. They spend a maximum of 48 hours there. Time to shelter them,'call out the attackerto find an accommodation structure…

Mathilde Degenne is also working on the implementation of precautionary levies. “Until now, samples are taken in cases of rape or sexual assault only if the victim files a complaint. Precautionary samples may be kept for one year. Which gives him time to think,” notes the emergency doctor.

Tuesday November 26, 2024, the day after the international day against violence against women, the Quimper hospital will present its support system with different services: sexual health center, medical-psychological unit, psychotrauma center, etc.

Practical information.
Awareness day Tuesday, November 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lobby of the main hospital building, avenue Yves-Thépot in Quimper.

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