Domestic Violence
Domestic violence remains a major health concern in Canada.
Its effects are seen in all areas of health care, and physicians clearly have a role to play in detecting and supporting victims of domestic violence. Guidelines on dealing with this problem have been developed by professional organizations across the country. Most of the literature on domestic violence deals with situations in which the perpetrator is male and the victim female. It should always be remembered that abuse can occur within same-sex relationships and that males can also be victims of abuse.
SOGC's Violence Against Women Program
Encouraging Physicians' Involvement in the Identification and Eradication of Violence Against Women
Educational materials are available to assist health care professionals in identifying the symptoms and characteristics of domestic violence.
Readers should feel free to use any of the slides here for discussion.
Last Modified: March 28, 2007
