Citation

François I, Moutel G, Plu I, Fauriel I, Hervé C. Presse Med. (1983) 2004; 33(22): 1561-1565.

Affiliation

Medecine legale et droit de la sante, Faculte de medecine, Dijon. ljl.francois@wanadoo.fr

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0755-4982(04)98992-0

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective: Using a qualitative approach of medical practice, the aim of this study was to specify the difficulties and pitfalls that practitioners are confronted with regarding persons suffering from domestic violence. Methods: Nineteen practitioners agreed to participate in an assessment of their attitude towards the recognition and management of domestic violence. These practitioners were aware of the medico-social dimension of their practice. A questionnaire was proposed during an interview conducted in all participants by the same investigator. The interviews were reviewed and analysed by two assessors. In the case of discordance, a second reading was made so that a consensus could be reached. Results: The interview lasted a mean of 40 minutes. The practitioners interviewed (11 men and 8 women) were 29 to 60 years old and had practiced for 6 months to 36 years. They all knew of such violence, notably through its physical impact, but this did not permit them to recognize all the forms of violence. The medico-legal tools at their disposal are not clearly understood and are often not adapted to the demands of their female patients. Conclusion: The notion of global management required in such cases must be developed and specified in medical training, because the recognition and management of "battered women" is a question of personal dignity.