Citation

Smith S, Baker D, Buchan A, Bodiwala G. Health Trends 1992; 24(3): 97-99.

Affiliation

Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, H.M. Stationery Office (Great Britain))

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10123244

Abstract

Adult domestic violence in Leicestershire was reviewed by examining the clinical notes of all patients aged 14 years and over attending the Accident and Emergency Department of the Leicester Royal Infirmary in 1988 with a history of assault. Of the 341 patients so classified, 297 victims were identified. This paper describes the results of the review, including the age and gender of the victims, and the nature and cost of the violence. Suggestions are made to improve the management of adult domestic violence.This paper describes the result of a review on the extent and nature of adult domestic violence (ADV), assistance received by the victims, and deficiencies in education services provided by key personnel in Leicestershire, UK. Using the clinical notes from the computerized module of the Accident and Emergency Department of the Leicestershire Royal Infirmary in 1998, 297 victims aged 14 years and above were analyzed. Results revealed that almost equal number of men and women were assaulted in their homes with spouse and boy/girl friend as assailants. Most victims of domestic assaults were under 30 years of age and no significant difference was noted in the experience of different age groups regarding abuse. In reality, ADV cannot be prevented by the Health Authorities, but acknowledgement of the problem, provision of appropriate assistance, and facilitation of secondary and tertiary prevention. Training and education of medical and allied professions involved in the primary and hospital services must be undertaken along with the development of working protocols.

Language: en