women s health issues
Domestic Violence
Evaluation of Domestic Violence
A doctor's evaluation Doctors may suspect domestic violence based on injuries, inconsistent or puzzling symptoms, and/or the behavior of the victim and/or partner. Or a victim may report the abuse. If doctors suspect domestic violence, they may ask the person if they feel safe in their relationship and in their home. Many experts recommend that health care practitioners askallpeople questions about domestic violence. If domestic violence is suspected, doctors 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, doctors 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. 