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Family Physicians can Help Victims of Domestic Violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 05, 2002

Contact:
Adam Lee
American Academy of Family Physicians
(800) 274-2237 Ext. 5221
alee@aafp.org

LEAWOOD, Kan. — Domestic violence is abuse by a spouse or an intimate partner. Abuse happens to people of all races, ages, incomes and religions. Physical abuse is the use of physical force. Sexual abuse is any forced sexual activity. Emotional abuse includes threats, constant criticism and ridicule, as well as controlling access to money and activities. Each year at least 2 million women are abused in this country, and child abuse occurs in 30-60% of family violence cases.

If an individual or his/her child is abused, the first thing to do is go to a safe place such as the home of a friend or relative, or an emergency shelter. If an individual does not think he/she can leave the home safely, he/she should contact the police. If possible, individuals should take house keys, money and important papers with them.

Often the family physician is the first point of contact for many victims of domestic violence. A doctor can provide the patient with the names of shelters and support services and treat any related medical problems.

Since 1996, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has received more than 700,000 calls for assistance. Individuals should contact 800-799-7233 to report domestic violence and receive referrals to local service providers for victims of domestic violence.

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Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents more than 93,000 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the only medical society devoted solely to primary care.

Nearly one in four of all office visits are made to family physicians. That is 215 million office visits each year – nearly 48 million more than the next medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide the majority of care for America’s underserved and rural populations.

In the increasingly fragmented world of health care where many medical specialties limit their practice to a particular organ, disease, age or sex, family physicians are dedicated to treating the whole person across the full spectrum of ages. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care.

To learn more about the American Academy of Family Physicians and about the specialty of family medicine, please visit www.aafp.org.

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