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.
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
# # #
Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 105,900 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the only medical society devoted solely to primary care.
Approximately one in four of all office visits are made to family physicians. That is 240 million office visits each year — nearly 87 million more than the next largest medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care.
To learn more about the specialty of family medicine, the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, and for downloadable multi-media highlighting family medicine, visit www.aafp.org/media. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s award-winning consumer Web site, www.FamilyDoctor.org.
