Domestic violence: a primer for the primary care physician

Domestic violence is a serious, complex, public health problem, which is more common than many physicians realize. Although certain characteristics may be associated with the victim and perpetrator, they have limited value in identification or prediction of partner violence. Any woman may be a victim and any man, a perpetrator; therefore, universal screening for partner abuse is encouraged. The medical and psychological consequences of domestic violence are often of tragic proportion, for both the woman and her children. Unfortunately, unless asked directly and in a supportive fashion, many women will remain silent and continue to be victimized.