Injuries and illnesses of domestic violence.

Domestic violence (DV) is a common cofactor or cause of illness and injury in the emergency department. Research is hampered by varied definitions of DV and lack of epidemiologically sound surveys. Injuries related to DV are those common in assaultive injury. Trauma reported to have occurred in falls and accidents may actually be the result of DV. Medical complaints and psychiatric problems may also result from or be associated with DV. The record of DV detection in the ED remains poor.