Domestic violence: the general practitioner's
role
Provide information
1. Explain to the patient that violence in the home is as
illegal as violence on the street and that she is the victim of a
crime and has legal rights (Jones, 1997).
2. Explain the physical and emotional consequences of chronic
battering.
3. Provide written information (Osborne, 1990) about legal options
and help offered by:
- Police domestic violence units
- Women's Aid National Helpline (Tel: 0345 023468)
Women's aid refuges (Asian women's refuges and services available
for women from other ethnic minorities can usually be contacted
through Women's Aid)
- Local authority social services departments
- Local authority housing departments
- Department of Social Security
4. Offer help in making contact with other agencies