This article presents preliminary data gathered from the pilot study of a domestic violence'screening tool conducted at a child advocacy center. Female caretakers of children who were being evaluated for sexual or physical abuse were screened. Of the caretakers, 67% reported a history of emotional abuse, 64% physical abuse, and 47% sexual abuse. Also, 20% of the women reported physical abuse during pregnancy, 8% reported sexual abuse, and 40% reported emotional abuse. Given the high incidence of the coexistence of child abuse and domestic violence in these families, child abuse evaluations need to assess for family safety.
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