VIOLENCE IN INTIMATE-RELATIONSHIPS AND THE PRACTICING INTERNIST - NEWDISEASE OR NEW AGENDA

Domestic Violence is endemic in U.S. society and is seen in nearly eve ry venue of medical care. A history of abuse should be considered and routinely queried in all women who present for emergency care, should be suspected in any woman who presents with an injury, and should be r outinely screened for in primary care settings. Clinical manifestation s, suggested diagnostic strategies, obstacles to leaving the abusive r elationship, and the barriers that patients face in obtaining and that physicians face in providing optimal care in situations of domestic v iolence are discussed. Physicians can play a pivotal role in primary p revention, early intervention, and follow-up care during and after an episode of intimate partner violence. Clinical competence in the treat ment and prevention of family violence is an important component of th e new agenda for hearth care, particularly in generalist fields such a s general internal medicine.