Establishing a Screening Program for Abused Women

A step-by-step plan to establish a successful abuse screening program is offered to prevent abuse and the adverse health and economic consequences of abuse.

Abstract

Estimates are that 1.8 million women are physically abused each year by their husband. Abused women are seen daily in emergency rooms, prenatal clinics, primary care centers, and inpatient units. To prevent abuse and the adverse health and economic consequences, routine assessment is essential. The authors offer a step-by-step plan to establish a successful abuse screening program.