Information for Professionals
Health Care
SHARE YOUR STORY: Because you have the right to be healthy and safe.

OPDV SHARE card: A 2.25” by 5” card that is easily hidden in a phone case which informs victims of their right to free confidential screening and counseling. SHARE provides the victim with the number for the NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline.
Front text:
SHARE YOUR STORY: Because you have the right to be healthy and safe.
See back to learn how SHARE can help you.
Logos for the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and the New York State Department of Health
NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline
1-800-942-6906
Back text:
Domestic Violence harms your health. If you are a victim of domestic violence, please SHARE that information with your health care provider. Your health care provider may be able to help you.
You have a right to be healthy and safe
- Screening: All health care providers should ask you about domestic violence. They should ask you privately and respectfully, so that you feel comfortable enough to SHARE with them.
- HIPPA 1: Almost everything you SHARE is confidential between you and your health care provider. If you tell your health care provider that you have been victimized, they should not report this to the police. However, the health care provider must report gunshot wounds, burns and life-threatening stab wounds. This is New York State law. 2
- Affordable Care Act: Screening and Counseling for domestic violence are covered under the Affordable Care Act as preventive health care. 3 Your health care provider should ask you questions about domestic violence during your visit. If you SHARE your story with them, they can SHARE information with you.
- Resources and Referrals: Your health care provider can SHARE resources and referrals that will help you and your children get health care and other services you may need.
- Everyone: Everyone knows domestic violence is not your fault. Please SHARE with your health care provider and allow them to SHARE with you.
- HIPPA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
- In NYS, domestic violence is not a reportable offense except under NYS Penal § 265.5 & § 265.26
- The Affordable Care Act ensures that women and children receive preventive health care. Domestic violence screening and counseling is now covered