The impact of domestic violence on individuals

• Published in: Medical journal of Australia Vol. 173; no. 8; pp. 427 - 431
• Main Authors: Astbury, Jill, Atkinson, Judy, Duke, Janet E, Easteal, Patricia, Kurrle, Susan E, Talt, Paul R, Turner, Jane
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sydney Australasian Medical Publishing Company 16-10-2000
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Australia - epidemiology; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Domestic Violence - psychology; Emigration and Immigration; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Medical sciences; Minority Groups; Miscellaneous; Oceanic Ancestry Group; Pregnancy; Prevention and actions; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Tropical medicine; Victimology; Australia; Oceania; Human; Evaluation; Health staff; Violence; Medical screening; Victimology; Epidemiology; Secondary effect; Complication; Cultural status; Occupational role; Age; Public health
• ISSN: 0025-729X; 1326-5377
• DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2000.tb139274.x

There is extensive evidence of the adverse effects of domestic violence across all age groups and cultural backgrounds.
The impact of domestic violence may be long‐term, affecting emotional adjustment, physical health and subsequent relationships.
Health professionals should be aware of the confounding effect of youth, age and cultural diversity on presentation.
Shame and isolation militate against disclosure.
Specific, sensitive questioning that incorporates awareness of cultural and social issues is essential to detect domestic violence and initiate appropriate assistance.