ABSTRACT

Although interdisciplinary collaboration is a given in service to anyone with complex health problems, system loopholes may result in clients “falling through the cracks” and not getting the service they need. But in delivering care and treatment to both victim/survivors and perpetrators, life itself – of clients as well as that of providers – may depend on such collaboration. Complementing other chapters’ discussion of particular situations across the spectrum of violence and abuse, this chapter delineates and summarizes health, mental health, and criminal justice roles. Case examples will illustrate various facets of comprehensive clinical service for an

abused woman and a sexual assault victim. The examples build on essential content for delivering comprehensive service (discussed in Chapter 3), and the distinct but complementary functions of the healthcare team (see Table 3.1). They also address service for assailants and the children affected by parental abuse. A complementary service model is highlighted in a psychosociocultural Crisis Paradigm. The forensic and ethical issues in medicine are discussed only as general information for all front-line health and social service providers, with the understanding that detailed protocols such as the “Rape Crisis Kit” are available in designated medical emergency and trauma centers and conform to legal requirements of various countries and government jurisdictions.