The Article in Brief

Background: Thirty-four to 46% of adult women who are patients in primary care practices have experienced family violence. Most doctors believe it is important to identify and manage family violence, but rates of screening for it are low. This study examined patients’ views of how doctors screen for and handle family violence and conflict among their patients.
What This Study Found: Most patients, including those who commit violence or have been victims of violence, believe that doctors should ask patients about family violence and that doctors can be helpful. Patients recommend that doctors ask about family violence, listen to their patients’ stories, and provide information and referrals.
Implications:
* Patients recommend that family physicians ask about family violence, listen to patients’ stories, and provide information.
* Because little is known about whether such actions are effective in reducing family violence, further research is needed.