Domestic violence: do forensic physicians have a role?

The role of the forensic physician in domestic violence incidents in South London was investigated over a 6-month period. The aim of the study was to identify the nature of domestic violence, to determine whether the individuals involved had previously been in contact with the primary health care team or other agencies and whether direct communication between the examining forensic physician and the patient's general practitioner was of assistance to the latter. We concluded that there is a definite role for the forensic physician in documenting injuries in victims and assailants (although most were minor injuries), providing appropriate medical treatment, supplying information regarding support agencies and passing the relevant information, with the patient's consent, to the primary health care team.