Medical Issues with Adult Victims of Family Violence

Abstract

An exploration of medical issues related to adult victims of family violence focuses on physical abuse/neglect. A discussion of the challenges involved in the assessment & maintenance of basic life-support processes gives special attention to the many ways that signs of physical abuse can be missed. The importance of pursuing the adequacy of an explanation for the presenting injury is stressed, along with the need to investigate the patient's medical history for evidence of previous injuries or illnesses that could have been violence-induced. Common characteristics of abused adults are described, along with clinical signs of physical abuse or neglect, such as inflicted bruises, burns, fractures, & specific head injuries to the head, chest, abdomen, or urogenital area. Difficulties involved in recognizing failure to thrive, especially in elderly patients, are explored, & key factors that should be considered in developing the history of abuse are discussed. 2 Tables, 21 References. J. Lindroth