Psychotherapists' role in the medical response to male-partner violence

Male-partner abuse, although it is prevalent among medical patients in emergency rooms, primary care, and obstetric clinics, is infrequently screened for and therefore inadequately treated by the majority of physicians. Research studies to support these conclusions are reviewed. On the basis of information presented, it is recommended that psychotherapists : (1) recognize that absence of partner-violence injury in medical records often reveals lack of proper diagnosis rather than lack of evidence, (2) coach their patients on the selection of an appropriate provider and in approaches to disclose their history in a safe manner, and (3) advocate for better medical education regarding male partner violence.