Domestic violence

Abstract 

One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute and up to 30% of domestic abuse starts during pregnancy. However domestic violence remains a subject that health professionals find difficult to discuss.

Patients in violent relationships may present in a wide variety of ways including a disastrous obstetric history with repeated miscarriages, stillbirth or pre-term labour.

If a woman discloses abuse, put her at ease so she talks about her experiences. Support and reassure her and be non-judgmental. Concentrate on her safety and that of her children. Never advise her to leave her partner as this may be more dangerous than staying. Give her information about relevant agencies (see DOH handbook). If there is any doubt about the safety of her children, contact Child Protection Services. Careful documentation of her history and injuries is required but should never be documented in her hand-held records.

Keywords: domestic, emotional abuse, family violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse, violence