Detecting domestic violence

Many victims of domestic violence in Illinois require treatment at a hospital. When providing medical attention, physicians usually ask about the cause of an injury. Whether it’s out of fear of their abuser or a sense of denial, a victim may lie about the cause.

Fortunately, physicians are finding new ways to detect domestic violence. Recently, a group of doctors published a study detailing the radiographic findings in domestic violence. Put more simply, doctors can make more educated guesses as to how a patient got injured based on demographics as well as the pattern of the injury itself. This means that some unusual patterns of broken bones may alert doctors to the possibility of abuse.

Obviously, there are several different types of injury, some easier to ascribe to domestic violence than others. For instance, if a victim walks into a hospital with an injury to their head or face, doctors tend to assume that domestic violence may have been the cause. This makes all the more sense considering that there are few other causes for such an injury. However, domestic violence injuries to the arms and legs may be harder to detect because there are plenty of reasons for getting those sorts of injuries. Consequently, by finding the unusual patterns of injuries most commonly associated with domestic violence, physicians can have an easier time at detection.

Nevertheless, detecting domestic violence is easier if the victim can find the strength to explain what happened. Therefore, physicians should do everything in their power to help their victims, including interviewing them alone. Alternatively, the victim may feel more comfortable reaching out to an experienced lawyer who can inform them of the legal issues at stake.