Intimate partner violence: Opening the door to a safer future

Abstract

Opening the door to a safer future These recommendations can help you to identify patients at risk of violence, create an environment where they feel comfortable disclosing their experiences, and help them plan for their safety. THE CASELouise T* is a 42-year-old woman who presented to her family medicine office for a routine annual visit. During the exam, her physician noticed bruises on Ms. T's arms and back. Upon further inquiry, Ms. T reported that she and her husband had argued the night before the appointment. With some hesitancy, she went on to say that this was not the first time this had happened. She said that she and her husband had been arguing frequently for several years and that 6 months earlier, when he lost his job, he began hitting and pushing her. HOW WOULD YOU PROCEED WITH THIS PATIENT?*The patient's name has been changed to protect her identity.