Domestic Violence

This report aims to raise awareness of the nature and prevalence of domestic violence, to break down some of the stereotypes that exist about it, and to discuss the role of health care professionals in identifying and dealing with the problem Introduction 1

The nature and prevalence of domestic violence 5

Understanding domestic violence 13

The impact of domestic violence upon health 29

Identifying domestic violence in health care settings 37

Advice on good practice for identifying and dealing with domestic violence 45

Domestic violence in different health care settings 55

Adopting an inter-agency approach 63

Conclusions and recommendations 75

Ap 1: Useful contacts 83

References 89

Index 105

The British Medical Association is the professional association and registered trade union for doctors in the United Kingdom. The association does not regulate or certify doctors, a responsibility which lies with the General Medical Council.