Physicians, nurses, midwives, dentists, public health workers, and others can play a key role in preventing violence, yet many are unaware of how they can be essential partners.

While asking patients the simple question, “Are you safe at home?” is a good start, many other opportunities for early identification of victimization or perpetration are missed. For example, most victims of domestic, elder and sexual violence do not seek services through programs or service providers. Most rarely call on the criminal justice system for help. Yet, they frequently interact with healthcare providers when they go for regular exams, for treatment of particular health problems, or for the medical care of their children and/or other family members. Thus, healthcare providers may be the first and sometimes the only professionals with whom some victims or perpetrators come into contact with.