• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Maryland Department of Health
    Maternal and Child Health

    ​

    Safety Assessment

    If there is any indication or suspicion that abuse is occurring, a safety assessment should be done to evaluate if the woman is in any immediate danger and if she feels it is safe to go home.
    • Evaluation of Safety – Contact:
      o   Local DV program (Hotlines) or
      o   Hospital Social Work Department or
      o   Hospital-based DV program

      Encourage your patient to speak with an advocate or social worker before she leaves the facility. They can help determine the need for safety planning and can provide information about local resources.    
    • Common Risk Factors for severe abuse/increased lethality:
      o   Batterer has a weapon
      o   Escalation of violence
      o   Gun in the home
      o   Substance abuse
      o   History of strangulation
      o   Jealous violent rages
      o   Abuse during pregnancy
      o   Suicidal ideation

      The safety assessment may be done by the provider, if the provider feels comfortable.  A five question safety assessment screen is on the sample IPV assessment tool.
      • Safety Planning - This includes steps to take if the victim were to leave her abusive situation:
      • identification of places she could go if she were in imminent danger,
      • making copies of important personal and family documents (driver’s license, passport, pay stubs, birth certificates, health records),
      • noting her social security, bank account and credit card numbers,
      • preparing clothes, car keys, and other items for a “quick escape”.
     
    A safety planning fact sheet is available at http://www.thehotline.org/help/path-to-safety/  .
     
     
    The “Lethality Assessment Program (LAP)–Maryland Model” is a copyrighted series of questions to help identify women at high risk of serious injury or being killed.  LAP has been used mostly by law enforcement and first responders to immediately connect women at high risk with a local DV provider.  Learn more at https://mnadv.org/?s=lethality