e, requires a high degree of suspicion during the assessment of the patient. Sadly enough, physicians fail to always recognize and/or acknowledge the source of repeated injuries. One study found that 35 percent of female emergency room patients are treated for symptoms related to ongoing abuse, but only approximately 5 percent of the women are identified as victims of domestic abuse (Bowers, 1994). In 1992, the American Medical Association published Treatment Guidelines on Domestic Violence. Aside from assessment, suggestions for the physician to follow in the interview of the victim are mentioned as well. These include: Physicians must ask direct, specific questions to determine the occurrence or extent of abuse since many women do not recognized that they are battered; Consider the possibility of assault when a victim’s explanation of an injury does not seem plausible, or when the victim has delayed medical treatment; The patient may appear frightened or nervous or exhibit stress-related symptoms in addition to physical injury; Maintaining a complete and detailed description of the event, in the victim’s own words if possible and of resulting injuries, including photographs if applicable; Being aware that the severity of current or past injury is not an accurate predictor of future violence, the patients safety should be discussed before leaving the physician’s office or treatment center; Being aware of local resources to make appropriate referrals; A physician who treats a victim and does not inquire about domestic abuse or accepts an unlikely explanation for the injury could be held liable if the victim returns to the abuser and is injure again (American Medical Association, 1992).Aside from medical and psychiatric treatment for injuries, potential victims of abuse can be given information and counseling form the health care provider in order to prevent further victimization episodes. Patients can be informe...
