Victims often become perpetrators or become involved in violent relationships later on. Although the focus of this document is the welfare of the victim, the needs of the perpetrator should not be overlooked. Finally, more recent data suggest that victims of family violence are more likely to become perpetrators of violence against non-intimates as well. All of this suggests that each instance of family violence may have implications not only for further family violence, but also for the broader spread of violence throughout a society as well. Although the causes of family violence are complex, a number of contributing factors are known.
Physicians have important roles to play in the prevention and treatment of family violence.
Of course they will manage injuries, illnesses, and psychiatric problems deriving from the abuse. The therapeutic relationships physicians have with patients may allow victims to confide in them about current or past victimization. Physicians should inquire about violence routinely, as well as when they see particular clinical presentations that may be associated with abuse. They can educate patients about the progression and adverse consequences of family violence, stress management, availability of relevant mental health treatment, and parenting skills as ways of preventing the violence before it occurs. Finally, physicians as citizens and as community leaders and medical experts can become involved in local and national activities designed to decrease family violence.