gynecology and obstetrics
Domestic Violence
Evaluation of Domestic Violence (Intimate Partner Violence)
Clinical evaluation Clinicians may suspect domestic violence based on injuries, inconsistent or puzzling symptoms, and/or behavior of the victim and/or partner (eg, a partner is reluctant to leave the victim alone with the clinician). Or a victim may report the abuse. If clinicians suspect domestic violence, they may gently ask patients about their relationship with their partner or with other people living in their home. Many experts recommend that clinicians screenallpatients for domestic violence by asking specific questions. Clinicians also try to determine whether the victim can safely return home before leaving the health care facility. Safety is in doubt in the following circumstances: The victim has threatened to leave the relationship. Violence has been increasing. The partner has access to weapons. The partner has threatened to kill or injure the victim. If domestic violence is confirmed, clinicians are required to document the evidence of abuse, often by photographing the injuries. This documentation can be used to support a legal case against the perpetrator. Laws about reporting domestic violence vary by state and sometimes by type of clinician. 