Citation

Henrion R. La Revue Sage-Femme 2005; 4(3): 134-139.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Masson Editeur)

DOI

10.1016/S1637-4088(05)86224-8

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Because pregnant women are seen regularly for prenatal visits and most often develop a feeling of trust with the health care providers, pregnancy offers an important opportunity to detect domestic violence. Visible physical lesions are obvious signs of domestic violence but detection is much more difficult when the signs are limited to various sequelae, exacerbation of chronic conditions, psychosomatic problems, or obstetrical complications. It is even more difficult when the disorders are essentially psychological. If there is the slightest doubt, the clinician should, after gaining the patient's trust, ask a few simple questions. When domestic violence is discovered, the physician should evaluate its severity, note all useful elements in the medical record, and as required, write a medical certificate declaring temporary disability. The patient needs treatment but also information and support. It may be necessary to report the case to the judiciary or administrative authorities.