Domestic violence: Screening and management in South Africa.

Journal: South African family practice : official journal of the South African Academy of Family Practice/Primary Care

Volume: 67

Issue: 1

Year of Publication: 2025

Affiliated Institutions:  Division of Family Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. deidre.pretorius@wits.ac.za.

Abstract summary 

Violence manifests in various ways in healthcare, including trauma from an undifferentiated patient, psychosomatic illness, substance abuse or dependency and mental health challenges. Different forms of violence exist, such as intimate partner violence, gender-based violence, domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, elder abuse, sexual violence, self-directed violence and collective violence. These may be included in domestic violence or exist as standalone forms. Health practitioners play a pivotal role in managing incidents of domestic violence. This article highlights the definitions in the Amended Domestic Violence Act of 2021 and suggests screening options for domestic violence. The authors also suggest screening tools, a management flow diagram and contact numbers for resources. Domestic violence can be a generational curse that compromises biopsychosocial wellbeing. To break the perceived culture of violence, healthcare workers play a pivotal role in screening and management, as well as the mandatory reporting of domestic violence when children and the elderly are sharing such a household.

Authors & Co-authors:  Pretorius Deidré D Ruch Aviva A

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  2
Identifiers
Doi : 10.4102/safp.v67i1.6000
SSN : 2078-6204
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
abuse;domestic violence;gender-based violence;intimate partner violence.;legislation
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
South Africa
Publication Country
South Africa