Domestic abuse

Also known as: Domestic violence, Intimate partner violence

A pattern of controlling, coercive, or violent behaviour by a partner or family member. Doctors should ask sensitively when suspected and know local support pathways.

Enquire when alone with the patient (never with the suspected abuser present), respond non-judgementally, assess immediate safety, and signpost to specialist services.

More glossary terms

ABCDE approachA systematic method for assessing and treating an acutely unwell patient — Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure — dealing with each before moving on.
AMPLE historyA focused emergency history — Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last meal, Events — taken quickly in acute situations.
ARCPThe annual assessment that decides whether a doctor in training has met the competencies to progress to the next stage.
AVPU scaleA rapid way to grade consciousness — Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain, Unresponsive — used in initial assessment.

Put it into practice

Rehearse PLAB 2 stations with AI simulated patients and get structured feedback after every consultation.

Start free