Screening by Healthcare Staff for Domestic Violence Against Women in Israel - Ethical and Legal Aspects

Abstract

This paper describes the ethical and legal aspects involved in healthcare Staff screening women for domestic violence in Israel. The primary aim of this article is to present the legal and ethical aspects of domestic violence in general, and of screening for violence, in particular. This article describes tools that play a crucial role in helping care for women who have been subjected to domestic violence, with an emphasis on the ethical dilemma stemming from the conflict between upholding moral conduct and individual autonomy versus ensuring the safety of patients who have been subjected to domestic violence and the need to provide high quality professional care.