A Case Management Algorithm for Women 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.