Which statement best reflects the involvement of domestic violence in healthcare settings?

• A. Domestic violence is rare in clinical practice.
• B. Most healthcare professionals will encounter patients who are victims of domestic violence.
• C. Only social workers encounter domestic violence cases.
• D. Domestic violence does not occur in healthcare settings.

Answer: (B)

Domestic violence intersects with medical care in a way that makes it a common reality across many clinical settings. Patients affected by abuse often present with injuries, chronic pain, sleep or GI issues, mental health symptoms, or reproductive health concerns that prompt contact with healthcare professionals. Because abuse can be hidden or unreported, clinicians from primary care, emergency departments, OB-GYN, pediatrics, mental health, and other specialties may encounter victims even when the patient doesn’t initially reveal the abuse. This breadth of potential encounters across disciplines and settings makes it likely that most healthcare professionals will see patients who are victims.

The other statements don’t fit this reality: domestic violence is not rare in clinical practice, it can and does occur within healthcare environments, and it’s not limited to social workers—many different professionals may encounter it and play a role in screening, safety planning, and referral.