Family Violence Update

Course overview

For centuries, society has avoided addressing violence among family members. As medical caregivers, we must remember that the definition of violence includes not only actual injuries, but also the consequences of the threat of violence. Battery is the single most common cause of injuries to women. Annually in the U.S., between 2-4 million women experience severe assault. The actual incidence of battery is difficult to determine. Misconception is a huge barrier in recognizing domestic violence; some might believe that violence does not occur in relationships that appear normal, that battered women are responsible for their own abuse, or that domestic violence is a private matter. Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior, marked by many recurrences. Interventions are more effective when the violence is identified early. Many times, there is a long history of emotional and sexual abuse prior to the recognition of inflicted injuries. Although this presentation is from the medical perspective, the concepts are pertinent to all persons working with women and families.