Victims of domestic violence have increased contact with healthcare services, but the abuse may not always be identified as a causal factor in their physical and mental health problems. Guidelines advocate that healthcare professionals should enquire about abuse and respond appropriately to any disclosures with pertinent messages and referral to domestic violence specialists if required. This article provides an update on the guidance to health professionals and examines how improved identification and responses to domestic violence by healthcare professionals can improve care for patients.
Primary Health Care. 23, 9, 34-42. doi: 10.7748/phc2013.11.23.9.34.e828
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review
Received: 17 September 2013
Accepted: 23 September 2013
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