When your patient is a batterer

PREVIEW

As a primary care physician, you have no doubt taken care of female patients who have been physically abused by their husband or partner. Also-perhaps without knowing it-you have treated the men who abused them. How can you help batterers and protect others, including yourself and your staff, from their abuse? This article describes the three types of batterers, their behavior patterns, and steps you can take to help them get appropriate treatment.