Citation

Goodyear-Smith F. N. Zeal. Med. J. 2004; 117(1202): U1074.

Affiliation

Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, School of Population Health, University of Auckland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, New Zealand Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15477908

Abstract

Inter-partner violence is a serious public health problem for a minority of the population. Frequently the problem is hidden and goes undetected. Recognising this violence within the primary healthcare setting and responding appropriately are laudable aims, with significant health gains. However it is important that in raising professional and public awareness of the issue, the case is not over-stated. Too often figures such as a NZ$141 million annual cost of family violence to health are quoted and presented as 'fact' without critical appraisal. Family violence is an emotional topic, and challenge to prevailing viewpoints may be misconstrued as a denial of the problem. These are important issues, and I invite academic debate.