Dentistry's role in the recognition and reporting of domestic violence, abuse, and neglect.
Domestic violence is epidemic in western society. Child abuse, intimate partner abuse, and elder abuse victims often have signs of injury that are readily visible to dentists. Dentists have a moral and legal obligation to recognize and report suspected abuse. This article offers information and illustrations to assist in diagnosing abuse. Reporting guidelines and legal obligation information sources for every state in the United States are included.
Senn
D R
DR
Department of Dental Diagnostic Science, Center for Education and Research in Forensics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Dental School, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
McDowell
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JD
Alder
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ME
D000368:Aged; D018585:Battered Women; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005553:Forensic Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D013179:Spouse Abuse; D014481:United States