Domestic Violence: The Medical Forensic Response

Evangeline Barefoot

doi:10.4172/2157-7145.1000192

Abstract

Each year countless numbers of men, women, and children present to emergency rooms and urgent care centers seeking treatment following acts of domestic violence. Many times law enforcement is not involved until tragedy has struck. Working with emergency department staff can greatly improve victim outcomes and help law enforcement to understand why they may not see any visible injuries. Sexual assault, physical abuse, and strangulation are possible findings after an episode of domestic violence. Careful documentation of symptoms is one of the most important measures to note.

Highlights

Each year countless numbers of men, women, and children present to emergency rooms and urgent care centers seeking treatment following acts of domestic violence
Many times it is the local urgent care center or emergency department that first becomes involved with a victim of domestic violence
While hospitals are required to screen all patients for domestic violence, many emergency departments are extremely busy and often don’t screen in a manner that is most conducive to honest answers

Summary

Introduction

Each year countless numbers of men, women, and children present to emergency rooms and urgent care centers seeking treatment following acts of domestic violence. Many times it is the local urgent care center or emergency department that first becomes involved with a victim of domestic violence. While some states allow the medical personnel to notify police if they suspect domestic violence many only allow reporting without the patients consent if children or elderly persons are victims.

Results

Conclusion