Kringen v. Boslough and Saint Vincent Hospital: a new trend for healthcare professionals who treat victims of domestic violence?

The plague of domestic violence is not being properly met by our medical and legal systems. The author, using the recent litigation in Kringen v. Boslough and Saint Vincent Hospital as a template, closely examines the various medical and legal issues that touch upon this area. The Article advocates for physicians to routinely be on the alert for signs of domestic violence, and to take actions to advance the safety of women who are seeking treatment for such injuries. The Article maintains that the increased use of screening protocols and procedures in this area is creating a new standard of care, and that enforcement of that standard of care by the judiciary will further advance the interests of battered women.