Domestic violence in the clinical practice of gynecologists and obstreticians

Abstract

The issue of domestic violence is neglected in current medical practice and the diagnosis associated with it thus escape the attention of medical proffesionals. In this case report, we demonstrate rare and typical diseases of abused women, which should become a warning signs for physicians (red flags) and lead them to screen domestic violence and intervene early. Failure to recognize domestic abuse as the cause of chronic health problems leads to lasting consequences and economically and personally burdens the health care system. Healthcare professionals of all specialities encounter abused women during their clinical practice and can thus actively participate in the prevention of domestic violence. However, it is women of productive age who are most at risk, so educating gynecologists and obstetricians on this issue is crucial. The aim of this article with a case study is to demonstrate the syndrome of a battered woman, its recognition and the possibility of immediate and brief intervention.