title: Domestic violence: the physician's role.
abstract: Most physicians lack the training to deal effectively with battered spouses. Yet they are in an ideal position to intervene. With a few straightforward questions, they may be able to detect a volatile situation before it escalates to violence. When abuse does occur, they can take a key role in management by becoming patient advocates, making referrals, and coordinating team care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Irvine, College of Medicine, USA.
authors.forename: S Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Melvin
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003663:Decision Trees; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010819:Physician's Role; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control