Domestic violence is a pervasive public health issue that touches every community. It cuts across age, race, income and geography, leaving lasting harm to survivors and families. Nearly all healthcare professionals will eventually treat a patient impacted by domestic or family violence. For physicians, recognizing the signs and understanding the dynamics is essential. Each year, domestic violence affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S., affecting one in four women and one in nine men.¹  Despite these numbers, intimate partner violence remains highly underreported, which means the true prevalence is even greater.
Domestic violence extends beyond physical harm. It includes emotional, psychological, financial and sexual abuse. These behaviors are used to exert control within intimate or family relationships. The patterns often escalate in severity over time, making early recognition by healthcare providers even more important.

Why Healthcare Providers Are Central to the Response

For many victims, the healthcare system is their only consistent contact outside the home. Physicians and nurses encounter these patients in emergency rooms, clinics and primary care offices. Sometimes patients impacted by violence present with suspicious injuries, but just as often they come for unrelated concerns. This uniquely positions providers to identify abuse, initiate conversations and connect patients with resources. Clinicians are also key in recognizing human trafficking victims, who frequently seek medical care while avoiding law enforcement.

Warning Signs Physicians May Notice

Victims may show injuries in different stages of healing, vague or inconsistent explanations, or frequent visits for nonspecific complaints like headaches or abdominal pain. Emotional cues such as anxiety, depression or withdrawal can also be indicators. Observing who accompanies the patient is critical. Controlling or overly protective partners may insist on answering questions or refuse to leave the exam room.

Read more physician strategies and screening guidelines

How Physicians Can Intervene

Even brief, supportive conversations can open the door to disclosure. Simple statements such as “You are not alone” or “Help is available” communicate empathy and safety. Having resource lists readily available — including information on local shelters, hotlines and advocacy groups — helps connect patients quickly to support systems. Careful documentation is also essential, as it may later be needed in legal proceedings.

The Opportunity in Clinical Practice

Domestic violence isn’t always obvious, but physicians are in a rare position to spot red flags. By incorporating routine questions, careful listening and readily available resource lists into patient interactions, clinicians can intervene in ways that change, and often save, lives. MagMutual provides expert resources and guidance to help healthcare professionals navigate these challenges with confidence. Learn more about the screening tools and red flags associated with domestic violence here or visit our full library of Healthcare Insights for additional support.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not constitute legal, medical or any other professional advice. No attorney-client relationship is created and you should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this article without seeking legal or other professional advice.

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¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499891/

Snigdha Weinberg, MD is a board-certified neurologist with additional certification in clinical neurophysiology with OhioHealth Physician Group.

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine? My earliest exposure to medicine was through my mother, who was a pulmonologist in solo practice. Her love for her profession and her patients was so infectious, and this piqued my interest from a young age. I still wasn't sure about medicine as a career until college, when I found my way to neuroscience via psychology classes. Medicine, and then neurology in particular, seemed like a natural way to explore those interests in a natural setting. 

What brought you to Columbus, and what do you enjoy most about practicing here? I moved to Columbus from Philadelphia when my husband accepted an academic position at OSU. I have appreciated the kindness and welcoming nature of the local patients and greater community.  I am also grateful for the resources available for patients, as well as the level of daily support from my office staff. 

What are your areas of clinical/professional interest?  General neurology with clinical neurophysiology (EEG/EMG) and an interest in women's health 

What’s one thing you’d like your colleagues to know about you or your work? I want to do more to promote brain health. I am trying to incorporate education related to brain health into more patient visits regardless of the chief complaint. I hope to do this in the community as well. 

What’s your favorite restaurant in Columbus? Agni--innovative food, accommodating to food allergies/restrictions, and gracious staff. We had the best experience when sitting at the bar and sampling whatever the bartenders recommended. 

When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your free time? I enjoy talking and laughing with my children, exploring the Columbus dining and Metro Park scene with my family, planning our next adventure out of state or abroad, or building up a consistent exercise routine as I try to improve my own brain health!

What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know? I survived rafting (and falling out!) on the Zambezi River. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? "Remember that doctors are human too." I don't know if it's the best, but it is the first one I thought of as I try to both balance the demands of busy work and home lives and to navigate the changes in healthcare at various levels.