A survey of domestic violence and other forms of abuse

Abstract

This study assessed the prevalence of domestic violence, sexual and emotional abuse in those presenting acutely to adult psychiatric services in a city environment. Of the 184 patients screened over a five month period, 40% gave a history of some abuse, and 16% reported abuse within the last six months. 25% felt that the abuse suffered was related to their presenting mental state, and the management of the patient was affected in 15% cases. 24% were victims of domestic violence, with a ratio of 2.75 :1 female to male; 8.6% of women had suffered violence in the last six months. The authors propose that this has implications for routine clinical practice.