Family violence: aids to recognition

Family violence, heretofore a sociopolitical phenomenon, is rapidly becoming a medical problem. Theoretically, the family physician is in the best position to diagnose and manage the casualties of family violence. However, clinical recognition of victims of violence is difficult because of reluctance by both patient and physician to address the problem directly. Wives, children, parents, and husbands are all subject to family violence. Several distinguishing characteristics among the victimized groups are shared by more than one group. A high index of suspicion facilitates victim identification, but there is no substitute for direct inquiry about family violence.