Written by Carrie Martin
A group of Harding physician assistant students are working to tackle domestic violence in Arkansas.
Emory Camp, David Pritchett, Robert Sanderson and Randall Seeman chose this effort as the focus of their masters project.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline defines domestic violence as “a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.”
Such acts can be emotional, sexual and isolational. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has labeled domestic violence as “the most under-reported crime in this country.”
The Harding’s students’ project will show health care providers of Arkansas how rampant domestic violence is in the state and will aid in the recognition of such incidents.
The group has provided information packets to health care providers in family practice and OB/GYN fields.
The packets contain a pre-survey; an information sheet showing Arkansas’ domestic violence statistics, a body map for abuse documentation and a pocket card containing important phone numbers for services that can provide help to the abused.
These informational packages were sent to Benton, Washington and White Counties, as well as preceptors for the PA program of Harding University.
Currently, the Harding PA students are receiving the pre-surveys that were sent out and are distributing post-surveys that will tell them if their information and tools have been enforced and have proven effective.
Pritchett, one of the PA students, sees the spiritual as well as medical dimensions of domestic violence.
“I’m interested in what it means for Christians to be peacemakers,” Pritchett said. “I think this making of peace starts in the most intimate political setting – the home.”
Pritchett believes this project can be an agent for healthcare providers to assist in cases of domestic violence and may empower victims with the resources to get help.
Also partaking in this endeavor is PA student Robert Sanderson.
Sanderson reported that Arkansas ranked fourth in domestic violence incidents nationwide in 2007 and ranked in the top three states for domestic homicides.
The Harding PA students wish to establish a system to recognize domestic violence in its early stages and aid victims before situations become dire.
“The biggest obstacle will be longevity; this project will have to be carried on for several years before it has a chance to make a statewide impact,” Sanderson said.
Domestic violence is a prevalent problem in society. Harding PA students have recognized this issue and have taken it upon themselves to make some kind of difference for those individuals who have suffered and continue to suffer.
“Domestic violence is one thing that really bothers me,” Sanderson said. “No one should have to live in fear; no child should have to be raised in a situation where domestic violence is the norm. I was born and raised in Arkansas. I want to be proud of my state. I want Arkansas to lead in statistics that are flattering.”
