The British Medical Association has reported (BMA, 1980) that domestic
violence has a substantial impact on the health and welfare of adults and
children, with the two most important health consequences being physical
injury and psychological effects.
Women experiencing domestic violence may seek medical help for the
consequences of domestic violence; they may also be in routine contact
with the health service for reasons unrelated to the violence.
Health professionals who will most often encounter survivors of domestic
violence include: GPs, practice nurses, A&E staff, obstetricians, school
nurses, health visitors, midwives, gynaecologists, community psychiatric
nurses, psychiatrists and psychologists. But all healthcare professionals
need to be alert to the signs of domestic violence, and be confident in
responding appropriately.
Some women will not always wish to reveal to health staff that their
injuries or other health problems are due to domestic violence , but
health professionals should always make it possible for patients to talk
about domestic violence if they wish to.
The impact which domestic violence has will vary from person to person but
she may suffer from any of the following health problems:
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Depression
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Insomnia
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Anxiety
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Unexplained somatic symptoms e.g. stomach pains, palpitations, headaches
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Alcohol/drug dependency
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Eating disorders
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Low
self esteem
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Physical injuries – bruises, burns, vaginal bleeding, black eyes etc.
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Still-birth/miscarriage
Please note this list
(and the behavioural indicators listed on next page) is not exhaustive and
that none of these symptoms are proof that domestic violence has
definitely occurred and they should not be taken as such. Rather, they
are signs that health professionals should ask further questions,
carefully and tactfully.