Domestic Violence Questions & Answers

Updated: Jul 29, 2018
  • Author: Lynn Barkley Burnett, MD, EdD, JD; Chief Editor: Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

How is domestic violence defined?

What is the pattern of coercive behaviors that leads to domestic violence?

What are the societal costs associated with domestic violence?

Where are victims of domestic violence most likely to seek help?

Which factors may deter intervention in domestic violence?

Why is a diagnosis of domestic violence in women frequently overlooked?

What are the US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for domestic violence screening?

What are components of the cycle of domestic violence?

What are the reasons victims of domestic violence remain in the relationship?

What is the Transtheoretic Model of Change and how is it adapted to the setting of domestic violence?

What is the prevalence of domestic violence in the US?

What is the mortality and morbidity associated with domestic violence?

What is the proportion of domestic violence in males and females?

What are the racial predilections of domestic violence?

What are the sexual predilections of domestic violence?

Which age groups have the highest prevalence of domestic violence?

Presentation

How should a patient's history be taken when domestic violence is suspected?

What are the symptoms of domestic violence caused by trauma?

Which clinical history findings suggest domestic violence?

How are depression and suicide related to domestic violence?

How is stress related to domestic violence?

How is alcohol or substance abuse related to domestic violence?

Which medical complaints are most common with domestic violence?

What are the signs and symptoms of domestic violence in female patients?

What is the role of domestic violence advocates in the emergency department (ED)?

What is the Partner Violence Screen (PVS) for the assessment of domestic violence?

How is the mnemonic SAFE used in the evaluation of suspected domestic violence?

What questions should be asked to in the evaluation for domestic violence?

What is the efficacy of computer-assisted screening for domestic violence?

What is included in the evaluation of patients with known or suspected domestic violence?

How are coping skills assessed in patients with known or suspected domestic violence?

How are legal needs assessed in patients with known or suspected domestic violence?

How are threats of homicide assessed in suspected domestic violence?

How are previous attacks evaluated in cases of suspected domestic violence?

What are the indications of a pattern of isolation in victims of domestic violence?

What is the Physical Abuse Ranking Scale for assessing danger in domestic violence?

Which behaviors and emotions of perpetrators indicated greater danger for victims of domestic violence?

How is physical violence assessed in suspected domestic violence?

How is substance abuse assessed in suspected domestic violence?

How is suicidal ideation assessed in the evaluation of domestic violence?

How is the level controlling behavior in the perpetrator assessed in the evaluation of domestic violence?

How is homicidal ideation assessed in the evaluation of domestic violence?

What are the physical signs of domestic violence in both the perpetrator and victim?

What are the characteristic injuries in victims of domestic violence?

Which fingernail markings are characteristic of victims of domestic violence?

Which pattern injuries are characteristic of domestic violence?

What is the appearance of contusions in victims of domestic violence?

What is the appearance of bite marks in victims of domestic violence?

What are the indications of strangulation in victims of domestic violence?

What are the most common sites of injury in victims of domestic violence?

Which injuries suggest a defensive posture in victims of domestic violence?

Which inconsistencies should raise suspicion of domestic violence?

What are indications of domestic violence during pregnancy?

What are indications of sexual assault in victims of domestic violence?

What causes of domestic violence?

What is the role of alcohol or substance abuse in the etiology of domestic violence?

What is the role of HIV infection in the etiology of domestic violence?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Domestic Violence?

Treatment

What is included in the prehospital care of victims of domestic violence?

What are responsibilities of emergency department personnel when caring for victims of domestic violence?

What are the JCAHO requirements for hospitals treating victims of domestic violence?

What is the emergency department's role in providing a safe environment for victims of domestic violence?

What are primary messages ED personnel should deliver to victims of domestic violence?

What is the initial approach to treatment of a victim of domestic violence?

How is domestic violence treated in the ED?

What should be documented in the medical record of a victim of domestic violence?

What are the legal obligations of personnel treating victims of domestic violence?

How is the risk of further violence assessed in victims of domestic violence?

How is a follow-up plan developed for victims of domestic violence?

What are considerations when planning disposition of a victim of domestic violence?

What are the elements of a safety plan for victims of domestic violence?

What are the referral and shelter options for victims of domestic violence?

Which organization had published evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of victims of domestic violence?

Which specialist consultations may be helpful to a victim of domestic violence?

Follow-up

What is included in further outpatient care of victims of domestic violence?

Which organizations offer help for victims of cyberstalking?

When is inpatient care indicated for victims of domestic violence?

What is the role of medications in the treatment of domestic violence victims?

What is the role of the ED staff in the prevention of domestic violence?

What are the possible complications of domestic violence?

What is the prognosis for victims of domestic violence?

What is included in patient education about domestic violence?