Family violence and mental health.

Family violence is recognized as one of the major public health concerns facing society. The chronic and traumatic nature of family violence often leads to mental health consequences. Clinicians are in advantageous positions to address the problems of family violence. It is important for clinicians to develop an understanding of the dynamics of family violence by allowing appropriate inquiry about victimization and assuring patient safety, providing appropriate referrals, and reporting incidences of family violence.