A long list of physical ills can result from battering, including trauma, migraine headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances, chemical dependency, depression, contemplation of or attempts at suicide, and chronic pain. Bringing abuse into the open and providing affirmation, support, and resources will promote healing. Holistically, healthcare providers must respond to patients' psychosocial and spiritual as well as physical needs. Not addressing abuse is ignoring a significant area of patient need. Patients want providers to ask about domestic violence and to direct them to resources for help.
Studies reflect support from survivors for such involvement.
Violence is a healthcare epidemic. Early intervention can prevent future generations from repeating the cycle of violence. Granted, learning the skills necessary for effective assessment of and intervention in domestic violence and incorporating them into practice is a process that will take time. However, once this is accomplished, application of these skills in the clinical setting does not have to be time-consuming. Yet, potentially, this minimum effort by healthcare providers can have a major impact in reducing violence in our society.