par Thomas, Pol ;Roland, Michel ;Offermans, A.M.
Référence Revue médicale de Bruxelles, 40, 4, page (378-385)
Publication Publié, 2019-06-01
Article révisé par les pairs
Résumé : The frequency of domestic violence is difficult to assess with sufficient precision because it is a societal taboo and those personally affected resist speaking about it. Although its prevalence is certainly higher than what is reported or observed during consultations with general practitioners who are most often the first professionals involved in the problem, the various recommendations in this area do not advise systematic screening. Additional reason is the inadequacy of sufficiently validated tools (questionnaires), which provide enough sensitivity and specificity. In practice, family physicians should be well aware of the existence and frequency of the phenomenon, have received specific training, and be alert to risk factors, clinical symptoms and red flags. Even if all signals are not specific, their association must be considered as a warning to practitioners and lead to early detection. Hence it is important to include violence in the differential diagnosis of the patient who often consults for other reasons.