Role of the Health System and Forensic Medical Investigations in Proving Domestic Violence

Abstract

: Domestic violence is one of the most frequent crimes committed in any society and country all over the world, reaching epidemic proportions. The need for a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach has been recognized to combat this phenomenon internationally. Both, the health system and the medico-legal investigation have a crucial role in proving domestic violence. Their task is to identify domestic violence victims, evaluate their needs, provide necessary care, properly document the consequences of violent acts, report and refer them to other specialized services. Additionally, the purpose of medico-legal investigations is to collect all kinds of evidence that could prove the circumstances alleged by the victim, thus allowing the incrimination of the perpetrator’s actions. The authors present a detailed analysis of a clinical case and highlight the consequences of an inadequate intervention of medical staff in managing a domestic violence case. The gaps admitted by medical staff and identified in this case show that without a proper response from the health system, it becomes difficult or even impossible to prove the crime of domestic violence.