Journal de recherche médico-légale

Domestic Violence: The Medical Forensic Response

Abstract

Evangeline Barefoot and Linda Galvan

Each year countless numbers of men, women, and children present to emergency rooms and urgent care centers seeking treatment following acts of domestic violence. Many times law enforcement is not involved until tragedy has struck. Working with emergency department staff can greatly improve victim outcomes and help law enforcement to understand why they may not see any visible injuries. Sexual assault, physical abuse, and strangulation are possible findings after an episode of domestic violence. Careful documentation of symptoms is one of the most important measures to note