Diagnosing and treating victims of domestic violence

Domestic violence can be defined as any violent behavior directed against an individual within the home or family. Intrafamily violence occurs in all segments of society and is not limited to a single ethnic or socioeconomic group. Unless the assaults within the home are stopped, the violence tends to escalate and become more serious, sometimes resulting in serious injury or death. Since the greater half of all non-accidental trauma occurs in the head and neck area, the dentist might be the first person to treat the domestic violence victim. Every member of the dental team must be aware of the incidence and prevalence of family violence and the serious sequelae associated with this dysfunctional behavior. Each member of the team can play an important role in the early recognition of non-accidental trauma. Once recognized, the intervention process can begin on behalf of the victim.