Domestic Violence Injuries – When to Go to The ER
Domestic and partner violence is more common than you might think. Data shows that as many as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men are victims of severe domestic violence, but the problem goes much further.
Domestic Violence Stats in America
- Every minute 20 people experience physical abuse from their intimate partners
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence, including slapping, shoving, or pushing from their partners
- A weapon is involved in 19% of domestic violence cases
- Only about 34% of people whom intimate partners injure receive medical care for their injuries
How to Recognize the Signs
Recognizing the warning signs in a relationship can help save a life. These are some of the most common red flags to look for in a potential abuser:
- Extreme jealousy, accusing the victim of flirting or having an affair
- Bad temper
- Possessiveness
- Unpredictability
- Verbal abuse
- Controlling behavior – controls all aspects of the victim’s life, including finances, clothing, whom they can interact with, how they act
- Old-fashioned beliefs about gender roles in a relationship
- Forced sex
- Refusing to use agreed-upon birth control methods
- Blaming the victim for anything wrong that happens
- Demeaning, embarrassing, or humiliating the victim either privately or publicly
- Abusive behavior toward other family members, children, or animals
Common Domestic Abuse-Related Injuries
Broken Bones
As a result of physical abuse, many victims suffer from broken bones.
Symptoms
- The limb or joint looks visibly out of place or misshapen
- Swelling, severe bruising, or bleeding at the site of injury
- Numbness or tingling in the injured limb
- Severe pain
- Limited mobility of the extremity or joint
When to Come to the ER
Please come to our ER if you suspect you have a broken bone. Our facility has top-rated imaging technology to evaluate your injury, and our doctors can set the bone so it can heal properly.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Any blow to the head or neck can result in a traumatic brain injury.
Symptoms
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision
- Problems keeping your balance
- Feeling dizzy or confused
- Trouble remembering things
- Sensitivity to light or sounds
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Persistent headache
- Repeated vomiting or feeling nauseous
- Pupil dilation
- Seizures
When to Come to the ER
Traumatic brain injuries always require a medical evaluation. Please seek emergency medical care if you develop any signs of traumatic brain injury following a blow to the head or other traumatic incident to the head or neck.
Lacerations
Attacks involving knives, scissors, sharp edge objects, or broken glass can result in serious cuts.
When to Come to the ER
Please visit the nearest ER should you experience any of the following:
- Cuts that are deeper than ¼ inch
- Severe or uncontrolled bleeding even after applying constant pressure for 10 minutes
- You have objects or pieces of glass embedded in the wound
- You experience loss of mobility in the injured finger, hand, or extremity
- The cut is on your face or neck
- The laceration is close to an eye
Any blow to the head or neck can result in a traumatic brain injury.
Symptoms
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision
- Problems keeping your balance
- Feeling dizzy or confused
- Trouble remembering things
- Sensitivity to light or sounds
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Persistent headache
- Repeated vomiting or feeling nauseous
- Pupil dilation
- Seizures
When to Come to the ER
Traumatic brain injuries always require a medical evaluation. Please seek emergency medical care if you develop any signs of traumatic brain injury following a blow to the head or other traumatic incident to the head or neck.
Vaginal and Urinary Tract Infections
Sexual assault increases the risk of vaginal and urinary tract infections.
Symptoms of Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal soreness, discomfort, itching, or burning
- Swollen, flushed, or inflamed skin around your vagina and vulva
- Changes in the amount and color of vaginal discharge
- Pain during normal intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Increased frequency or urgency of urination
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Dark urine
- Urine that has a strong odor
- Rectal pain in men
- Pelvic pain in women
When to Come to the ER
Untreated infections can lead to severe complications. If you suspect you have a vaginal or urinary tract infection, please seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
Helpful Resources for Domestic Violence Victims
If you or someone you know are victims of intimate partner or domestic violence, please know that help is available to you.
Please know that our facilities are safe places for victims. If you visit our ER for a domestic violence-related injury, please confide in our staff so they can report the case to the authorities.
Additionally, you can anonymously report domestic abuse cases or receive confidential help 24/7 by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224.
Know Where to Go in the Event of an Emergency
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