Domestic violence indicators

Physical indicators:

Injuries consistent with abuse (e.g., burns, welts, bruises, bites)

Fractures, dislocations, injuries not consistent with trauma described

Unusual injury marks, as if from belt, rope, hairbrush injury

Dried blood, semen

Site of injury: face, throat, breasts, abdomen, genitals, bilateral extremities

Drug toxicity/overdose; alcohol intoxication

Problem pregnancies; preterm bleeding/miscarriage; self-induced abortion

Emotional indicators

Fearful of caregivers (including hospital staff and visitors)

Feels threatened with violence, institutionalization, abandonment, guardianship

Is withdrawn, fearful, depressed

Process of emotional abuse is observable (e.g., visitor yells/threatens/swears)

Suicide attempt in context of "relationship problems" and seeking treatment

Vague, nonspecific complaint of ill or failing health in context of "can't seem to do what I'm supposed to do"

History of or current self-mutilation

Other Indicators

Restrained or locked in/out of house

Is kept socially isolated

Has frequent, unscheduled use of ED care

Sleeping or eating disorders

Prolonged interval between onset of illness or injury

Single-car crash, either as a driver or passenger

Source: University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC