Screening for domestic violence. Identifying, assisting, and empowering adult victims of abuse

Domestic violence involves the physical and/or psychological abuse of an intimate partner. Evidence indicates that almost one third of women treated in emergency departments have been in a violent intimate relationship within the previous year. For a variety of reasons, victims often do not choose to disclose that their injuries were a result of domestic violence unless they are asked directly by a physician in a safe, private setting. Constant vigilance is necessary to identify victims of such abuse who are afraid to disclose their often life-threatening secret. Instituting a routine screening policy for all female patients over age 14 enables the identification of such victims and permits the assessment of immediate danger, after which appropriate referrals can be made and effective safety planning can be accomplished.