Why doctors are uniquely vulnerable to domestic abuse

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Source: BMJ

Original: http://www.bmj.com/content/391/bmj.r2575.short?rss=1...

Published: 2025-12-09T04:45:55-08:00

Doctors are uniquely vulnerable to domestic violence, as illustrated by the case of psychiatrist Catherine, who experienced extreme threats to her children by her ex-partner. Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, psychological and emotional abuse, and doctors often face complications in detecting it due to the specifics of their profession and social status. Health professionals have a key role in identifying victims of domestic violence, providing professional help and ensuring safety, including hospitalization if medically necessary[1][2]. Repeated injuries or unusual behavior of patients should alert health professionals to the possibility of domestic violence[2]. Victims need not only treatment for physical injuries, but also psychological support and an empathic approach in medical facilities[1][3]. Domestic violence has serious health consequences, including depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)[2][7]. In case of suspicion of domestic violence, it is important to correctly record the medical findings and, if necessary, report the situation to the competent authorities[8][9].