Citation

Jundt K, Friese K. Gynakologe 2009; 42(9): 723-727.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00129-009-2430-y

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Physical and sexual abuse are health risks for women in every social class. Most of the time victims do not talk about their problems of their own volition and physicians are rarely familiar with the care of these victims. The sequelae of violence are not only acute injuries but also chronic pain or psychological reactions, such as fear or panic, sleeping disorders, depression, eating disorders or addictive behavior and suicidal tendencies.
In consideration of these facts physician should actively question patients if the suspicion of violence arises and therefore clear the way for help and assistance at an early stage. In this way these women could be protected from further violence and also their children who are also relevantly affected by domestic violence.