How Physicians Can Help Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women ages 15-44 in the United States, more common than automobile accidents, muggings and rapes combined. These children also suffer from poor health, low self-esteem, poor impulse control, sleeping difficulties and feelings of powerlessness. They are at high risk for alcohol and drug use, sexual acting out, running away from home, isolation, loneliness, fear and suicide. Domestic abuse isn't something happening to someone else's patients. It's happening to your patients right now.
Physicians have a unique opportunity to assist battered women and their children.
Perhaps the most difficult prejudice for doctors to overcome is a feeling the abused women should simply leave. The truth is that many factors make it very difficult for a victim to leave an abuser. In addition, leaving an abusive relationship does not guarantee safety for battered women and their children. Abusive men often escalate violence to recapture battered women and children. Just leaving a batterer is no guarantee of safety.