[How can you help a victim of intimate partner violence? Recognition, discussion and action to prevent fatal outcomes].

Abstract

Coercive control is a widespread globally prevalent and often missed pattern of intimate partner violence (IPV) that increases the risk of physical disease and mental illness tremendously for its victims, usually women and children. Besides it can lead to femicide and infanticide when red flags are being ignored. Here we describe an illustrative case. We mention several aspects of the IPV pattern of coercive control which are relevant, which should awaken any doctor or paramedic to ask the right questions when comparable patients present themselves. Specific characteristics such as extreme fear of the perpetrator, stalking by the perpetrator or by proxy, and threats of suicide or homicide are red flags for a seriously heightened risk for femicide. Improved recognition and diagnostics, discussing the findings and situation with the patient and taking action for safety and ending violence in collaboration with other professionals and institutes could help prevent femicide and infanticide.