Documentation and Reporting

Abstract

This section talks about the importance of proper documentation of any injuries to women patients, and reporting them promptly if violence is suspected. Documenting injuries may be critical to obtain relief through the legal system, and helps in establishing a pattern of violence which can play an important role in civil protection order proceedings, criminal prosecutions, and child custody disputes. Also in this section is discussed the pros and cons of mandatory reporting of abuse. In the United States and in certain CEE/FSU countries, health care workers may be subject to mandatory reporting laws. They believe that such laws improve data collection on domestic violence, enhance the care provided to victims, and assist the legal community in holding batterers accountable. Opponents of mandatory reporting legislation argue that these laws place women in danger of retaliation, and that women who fear retaliatory violence against themselves or their children, or who for any other reason do not want to report the violence, may forego necessary medical care. all this is discussed in brief in the section.