Publication number NCJ-167237. Each year, medical expenses related to domestic violence total at least 3 billion to 5 billion. Every 14 days in West Virginia, domestic violence claims a life. Pregnant women are more at risk for domestic violence than for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or placenta previa. One important way that health care providers can identify domestic violence is by routine screening of all patients.
Domestic violence has many indicators.
Physical Indicators History of recurrent injuries, particularly to the head, neck, torso, breasts, abdomen, or genitals Unexplained injuries or injuries inconsistent with the explanation given. Delay in seeking treatment for injuries Physical injury during pregnancy, especially on the breast and abdomen. Because domestic violence is the cause of so many injuries and illnesses, health care providers have great potential to help victims of domestic violence. However, a recent study found that physicians are more likely to counsel women about exercise and diet or weight than about violence in the home. In addition, among abused women who discussed the issue with their doctors, only one in five reported that the doctor raised the subject, and less than half of those were referred to a support service.