Domestic violence is one of the most common yet least reported crimes in the United States. Each year, nearly 10 million people are affected. Studies show that one in four women and one in nine men will experience physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse by an intimate partner.[i] Despite these numbers, many cases remain hidden because victims fear retaliation, lack resources or do not trust the system.
For healthcare providers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Physicians, nurses and other clinicians are often the first professionals to interact with victims, sometimes without realizing it.
Why Physicians Are Uniquely Positioned
For many survivors, medical appointments are their only consistent contact outside the home. Emergency rooms, urgent care centers, OB/GYN practices and family medicine clinics all serve as points of entry. While some patients arrive with clear evidence of injury, many more present with unrelated concerns, such as headaches, back pain, anxiety or prenatal care.
These visits create a critical opportunity for providers to recognize abuse and offer help. Clinicians are also instrumental in identifying victims of human trafficking. Trafficked individuals frequently seek healthcare but deliberately avoid police or social service systems. In these cases, medical professionals may be the only outsiders who have a chance to intervene.
Recognizing Red Flags
Abuse often escalates over time and can manifest in different ways. Physicians should be alert to:
- Injuries with inconsistent explanations
- Fearful or evasive behavior when a partner is present
- Repeated missed appointments or sudden changes in healthcare use
- Symptoms such as chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety or depression without clear medical cause
- A controlling partner who insists on speaking for the patient
Understanding these signs, combined with consistent screening, allows providers to uncover risks that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Read more physician strategies and screening guidelines
Taking Action in Clinical Practice
Responding effectively requires more than asking a checklist of questions. Trauma-informed care emphasizes empathy, privacy and respect. Providers should aim to:
- Ask open-ended questions in private, without family or partners present
- Document observations accurately and factually
- Offer resources such as hotlines, shelters or local advocacy organizations
- Reassure patients that disclosure is voluntary and confidential, within legal limits
Even if a patient is not ready to seek help, knowing their physician is a trusted ally can make future disclosure possible.
Leading the Response
Barriers to screening are common and often include limited time, discomfort with sensitive topics and uncertainty about next steps. However, integrating protocols into clinical workflows can make screening more consistent and effective. Hospitals and practices that train staff, establish clear referral pathways and partner with local resources are better equipped to respond.
Physicians are at the front line of domestic violence prevention and intervention. By screening universally, documenting carefully and connecting patients with supportive resources, providers can break cycles of abuse and protect vulnerable individuals.
MagMutual provides expert resources and guidance to help healthcare professionals navigate these challenges with confidence. Learn more about the screening tools and red flags associated with domestic violence here or visit our full library of Healthcare Insights for additional support.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not constitute legal, medical or any other professional advice. No attorney-client relationship is created and you should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this article without seeking legal or other professional advice.
[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499891/
