Introduction: Experience of domestic violence is reported as 28.3% in women and 14.7% in men. It causes significant harm and screening sexual health clinic attendees is recommended. Proformas used within our service include a question on domestic violence however screening practice amongst clinicians varies.

Aim: Investigate the prevalence of domestic violence amongst our clinic attendees and determine if current practice is successful at identifying this.

Methods: Patients attending a clinic on 9th January 2017 were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire including questions on domestic violence, mental health, unplanned pregnancy and STI’s. A retrospective audit of documentation of domestic violence in patient’s records was then undertaken for all patients attended on that day.

Results: Total number of attendees on 9th January was 111, 57 completed questionnaires (52% female and 50% male attendees). Domestic violence was reported by 27% female attendees and 16% male attendees (10% in heterosexual male, 33% in MSM). Females suffering domestic violence more commonly reported sexual assault, mental health problems and unwanted pregnancy.
34% female attendees had a documented enquiry regarding domestic violence. 24% of these reported domestic violence. Amongst male attendees 38% had a documented enquiry with 9% reporting domestic violence.  Reporting of domestic violence by men to clinicians was lower than predicted by the survey.

Discussion: With our current practice we can expect to miss 10 women and 5 men a day who have suffered domestic violence. Routine enquiry is to be recommended. Reluctance to disclose domestic violence may still be a barrier to identifying this hidden problem.

Domestic Violence - Do we ask? Will they tell?

The Joint Annual Conference of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV & the Society for the Study of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Ireland