National Domestic Violence Awareness Project

The USPSTF analyzed the combined results of 30 randomized controlled trials and other studies involving nearly 15,000 participants. These studies evaluated screening and treatment for domestic violence, accuracy of screening tests and potential harms of screening or treatment for abuse.

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Identifying the most helpful referrals for that patient, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) and local advocacy groups and services is essential. Finally, McCaw says, health providers follow up and make sure the patient has had a chance to reach out for the services.

“One in four women will experience severe physical violence in her lifetime,” McCaw says. “This can really happen to anyone, regardless of their education, income, religious background or age. That’s another reason why it’s important to do routine inquiry.”

Franchek-Roa points out that leaving an abusive relationship is not a single event, but rather a process, because it’s such a dangerous time. When screening reveals a woman is being abused, team clinicians go through an algorithm to determine whether she’s in immediate danger, including asking about the current location of her perpetrator, and then recommend trusted resources like local rape recovery centers.