Domestic Abuse
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Has someone hurt you?
See significance of physical or sexual abuse if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review risk factors that may increase your chance of becoming a victim of domestic abuse.
Note:
- If you have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can help you find resources in your area. Call the hotline toll-free: 1-800-799-7233.
- Call 911 or the police to get the help you need.
- If you have been sexually assaulted, preserve evidence of the attack—do not change clothes, eat, drink, smoke, bathe, brush teeth, or clean up in any way. Write down all the details about the attack and the attacker.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have an injury from physical or sexual abuse?
Yes Has someone recently been physically violent towards you? Violent acts may include hitting, pushing, shaking, slapping, kicking, pinching, choking, or burning.
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: May 6, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Brigid McCaw, MD, MS, MPH, FACP - Family Violence Prevention | |
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