Domestic violence and physical abuse of women: The Grady Memorial Hospital experience

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of self-reported physical abuse among women seeking gynecologic and obstetric emergency care services. STUDY DESIGN: A voluntary self-administered anonymous questionnaire was given to all women seeking treatment at the Gynecologic and Obstetric Emergency Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital during the month of April 1991. The survey respondents were divided into 4 abuse categories. RESULTS: Among the 452 respondents to the survey, 181 women (40.1%) gave a history of abuse. Among these, 93 women (51.3%) were currently in an abusive relationship, 45 women (24.9%) were currently in an abusive relationship and had a history of abuse, and 43 women (23.8%) had a history of abuse. The most common injuries described were fractures. Men were more likely not to have received counseling. CONCLUSIONS: The topic of domestic violence must be incorporated into the medical education curriculum and should be taught through a multidisciplinary approach.