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Domestic Violence

Objectives

Section titled “Objectives”
  1. In a patient with new, obvious risks for domestic violence, take advantage of opportunities in pertinent encounters to screen for domestic violence (e.g., periodic annual exam, visits for anxiety/depression, ER visits).
  2. In a patient in a suspected or confirmed situation of domestic violence:
    • Assess the level of risk and the safety of children (i.e., the need for youth protection).
    • Advise about the escalating nature of domestic violence.
  3. In a situation of suspected or confirmed domestic violence, develop, in collaboration with the patient, an appropriate emergency plan to ensure the safety of the patient and other household members.
  4. In a patient living with domestic violence, counsel about the cycle of domestic violence and feelings associated with it (e.g., helplessness, guilt), and its impact on children.