Domestic violence:: what are the difficulties for practitioners?

Objective Using a qualitative approach of medical practice, the aim of this study was to specify the difficulties and pitfalls that practitioners are confronted with regarding persons suffering from domestic violence. Methods Nineteen practitioners agreed to participate in an assessment of their attitude towards the recognition and management of domestic violence. These practitioners were aware of the medico-social dimension of their practice. A questionnaire was proposed during an interview conducted in all participants by the same investigator The interviews were reviewed and analysed by two assessors. In the case of discordance, a second reading was made so that a consensus could be reached. Results The interview lasted a mean of 40 minutes. The practitioners interviewed (11 men and 8 women) were 29 to 60 years old and had practiced for 6 months to 36 years. They all knew of such violence, notably through its physical impact, but this did not permit them to recognise all the forms of violence. The medico-legal tools at their disposal are not clearly understood and are often not adapted to the demands of their female patients. Conclusion The notion of global management required in such cases must be developed and specified in medical training, because the recognition and management of "battered women" is a question of personal dignity. (C) 2004, Masson, Paris.