A Case Management Algorithm for Women Victims of Violence (VIGITRAUMA)

Effectiveness of a Case Management Algorithm on Clinical Outcome After Consultations Requested in a Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit by Female Victims of Violence

A considerable body of research has demonstrated that women who are victims of interpersonal violence are at substantially elevated risk for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In France, victims can request a medico-legal examination in a clinical forensic medicine unit. Although these units are also a place for initial psychological examination, women often don't attend future scheduled appointments. Decision-making algorithm using phone contact are effective in suicide prevention. Our aim is to assess the effectiveness of case management algorithm using early phone contact compared to a control group treated as usual on clinical outcome after consultation requested in a clinical forensic medicine unit by female victims of violence. Method: Prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial, for women victims of violence. Victims randomized in VIGITRAUMA group will be contacted by phone at 3 weeks after the consultation in a clinical forensic medicine unit, and a second phone call can be done. If the subject is not contacted after the second phone call, he will receive a postcard. Control group will benefit from usual follow-up. All the subjects included will be then evaluated at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year during a phone call.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Women Health, Physical Abuse, Forensic Medicine, Case-Management Algorithm

Contact by phone at 3 weeks after the consultation in a clinical forensic medicine unit, and a second phone call if necessary. If the subject is not contacted after the second phone call, he will receive a postcard.

The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI) The Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI; Beck, et al., 1979) is a brief 21-item scale that assesses the person's current intensity of attitudes, plans, and behaviors to commit suicide.

Inclusion Criteria: Women 18 years and older Consultation requested in a clinical forensic medicine unit after being victim of violence The person was exposed to: death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence (PTSD criterion A - DSM -5) With social insurance Consent to participate to the study Exclusion Criteria: Do no consent to participate to the study Intrafamilial or intimate partner violence Do not speak french