Domestic violence in Australia: definition, prevalence and nature of presentation in clinical practice

Domestic violence is a complex pattern of behaviours that may include, in a ddition to physical acts of violence, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. Women experience domestic violence at far greater rates than men do, and wo men and children often live in fear as a result of the abuse that is used b y men to maintain control over their partners. Domestic violence is a major public health problem and is very common in wo men attending clinical practice. Women present most commonly with a range of chronic symptoms to unsuspectin g general practitioners, emergency department doctors or medical specialist s. Women who have experienced partner abuse want to be asked about it and are more likely to disclose if asked in an empathic, non-judgemental way. Docto rs can make a difference.