Violence in America: a public health crisis--domestic violence.

Domestic violence is a major public health problem. It is important that physicians are aware of the extent and pervasiveness of this disease. It is important to identify potential victims of domestic violence when they are encountered in the hospital or office environment. A few, short, carefully asked questions can serve an important surveillance and diagnostic function. Once domestic violence is identified, a well thought out, sensitive, safe plan of action should be discussed with the victim. In this way, not only will the current event be well managed, but also the potential for mitigating further domestic violence events will be initiated. Through this document, EAST hopes to add its voice to that of other physician groups to serve as a catalyst for broad education on the subject of domestic violence as well as activating victim advocacy among physicians and others who come into contact with this problem in their patients.