[Requirements of good medical care for victims of violence and quality-assured "confidential securing of evidence". A qualitative study among physicians in Northrhine-Westphalia].

Background: Sexual and domestic violence against women and young girls are widespread and can lead to significant psychological, psychosocial and health consequences for the victims. "Confidential Securing of Evidence" ("vertrauliche Spurensicherung", VSS) offers victims the opportunity to have the consequences of the violent acts they have suffered documented without primary police involvement, thus gaining time for decision-making. However, VSS and, in general, the care for victims of violence pose special challenges to physicians. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the documentation app iGOBSIS was developed in a project to support physicians in the care for victims of violence, especially in the VSS.

Objectives: The aim of the work was to clarify how physicians in North Rhine-Westphalia evaluate the functionality of violence victim care and VSS. Specifically, main deficits were to be identified, and suggestions and recommendations for optimizing care and VSS be explored.

Materials And Methods: Interviews with 39 physicians were conducted in focus groups and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results: Medical care for victims of violence and VSS are mainly complicated by stress and time constraints and lack of professional qualification. There is a need for more public relations and educational work, better professional qualification, consistent documentation and secure funding.

Conclusions: Readily available forensic medical support for documentation that will hold up in court, secure funding, networking and public relations are important elements to ensure good medical care for victims of violence and a functional VSS.