Domestic Violence in Midwifery Practice: Recognition, Response, and Legal Duties in Florida

Description:

This 2-hour continuing education course fulfills the Florida Department of Health requirement for licensed healthcare practitioners to receive training on domestic violence awareness, prevention, and reporting. It is designed specifically for Licensed Midwives to enhance their ability to recognize, respond to, and document cases of intimate partner violence and domestic abuse that may arise in maternity and newborn care. The course explores the legal, ethical, and clinical responsibilities of midwives under Florida Statutes 741.28-741.316 and 456.031, with a focus on mandatory reporting, client confidentiality, and trauma-informed care practices. Through case-based discussions, scenario simulations, and interactive self-assessments, participants learn to integrate safety screening, compassionate communication, and community resource referral into everyday midwifery practice. Topics include: Defining domestic and intimate partner violence in the context of midwifery Florida laws and mandatory reporting requirements for healthcare professionals Recognizing signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in clients Conducting safe and sensitive screening during prenatal and postpartum visits Documentation standards and confidentiality considerations Developing safety plans and connecting clients with local and state resources Working collaboratively with law enforcement and advocacy organizations Participants must complete a final quiz with a passing score of 80 percent to earn continuing education credit.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Define domestic violence and intimate partner violence and understand their impact on maternal and newborn health.

2. Identify behavioral, physical, and emotional indicators of abuse during prenatal and postpartum encounters.

3. Apply Florida reporting laws and professional responsibilities when abuse is suspected or disclosed.

4. Demonstrate trauma-informed communication and safety planning strategies.

5. Document findings, referrals, and client interactions accurately and ethically.

6. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community agencies to ensure client safety and continuity of care.

   
   

Disclosure Statements:

The instructors and course planners have disclosed no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. No commercial support has been received for the development or delivery of this course.

This course was developed solely for educational purposes to meet continuing education requirements for Licensed Midwives in the State of Florida. All clinical recommendations are evidence-based and aligned with current public health, legal, and midwifery standards.

Participation in this course does not constitute legal advice. Licensees are responsible for verifying compliance with all applicable Florida laws, administrative rules, and Board guidance.

All course materials—including slides, handouts, and recorded content—are the intellectual property of the course provider and may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.

Completion of this course does not guarantee license renewal unless all other requirements of the Florida Department of Health and the Council of Licensed Midwifery are also satisfied. Participants are responsible for submitting CE documentation promptly.

There is a 4% electronic processing fee applied on top of the $30 for the course.