ADVANCING HEALTH-CARE PRACTICE

5.4     Conclusion

This module brought us full circle back to your workplace, and to you. We hope we have done what we set out to do: to begin to explore some of the complex dynamics and links between abuse (in the workplace and in women's lives), substance use and other issues that have an impact on pregnancy and early parenting, as well as on how we as health-care providers are both impacted and can respond. The following quote captures one of those links:

"The origin of the plight of battered women and the struggles of female health workers lie in the worldwide social and economic inequality of women; the concomitant devaluation of women and their work keeps battered women with violent men, and women, especially poor women of colour, in inequitable service roles"
- Lee Ann Hoff, Violence issues: an interdisciplinary curriculum guide for health professionals, 1994

"Every action taken by a woman experiencing abuse is subject to potentially dangerous consequences. Therefore, the quality of the health care provider relationship itself is central to any reparative process."

"In relationships where autonomy and decision-making are taken away, feeling free to make choices without risking retaliation is crucial to regaining a sense of control" (Warshaw, 1997).

Clearly we cannot "solve" all of the issues explored here in one introductory workshop, but we hope that it may be a starting place or more support for you in learning more about these issues, as well as what you can do to address them, in your work and in your life.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments you may have.


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