1 Introduction

Domestic violence is a problem of epidemic proportions with far-reach-ing consequences for individual victims, their children and their communities. Domestic violence results in death, serious injury, and chronic medical and mental health issues for victims, their children, the perpetrators, and others. The lethal outcome of domestic violence is tragically evident in media reports that describe a steady stream of homicides against victims, their children, family or friends, those who are trying to protect them, innocent bystanders, and perpetrators.

Discussing what is known about homicides and suicides is only one way to understand the lethal nature of domestic violence. At this time there is little research measuring the impact of assaults and abuse in terms of permanent and health-shatter-ing injuries and illnesses. For every homicide victim of domestic violence, there are many victims struggling with major health problems who did not die when shot, stabbed, clubbed, burned, choked, beaten or thrown by their abusers. Thousands of these victims struggle with the health consequences of being trapped in abusive relationships without being identified by health care providers or provided with proper treatment (Hamberger, Saunders & Honey, 1992).

Domestic violence presents unique challenges to the health care system and requires specialized responses from health care providers. Before providers are able to effectively and efficiently respond to patients experiencing domestic violence they must first understand the nature and etiology of the problem as well as its impact on victims, children, and the community as a whole. This chapter provides the frame- work for that understanding by reviewing the definition and causes of domestic violence as well as specific issues related to victims, perpetrators, and children.

References

Hamberger, L. K., Saunders, D. G., & Hovey, M. (1992). Prevalence of domestic violence in community practice and rate of physician inquiry. Family Medicine, 24(4), 283-287.

taken from https://www.familyjusticecenter.org/resources/understanding-domestic-violence-chapter-1/

 

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Understanding Interpersonal Violence: An Academic Supplement and Resource Guide Copyright © 2023 by Andrea Polites and Mary Beth Mulcahy is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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