Violence against women is a significant problem that profoundly affects the physical and mental wellbeing of those affected. While medicolegal interventions in South Africa have been firmly established to respond to sexual offences, no formal protocols on intimate partner violence interventions at primary healthcare level are in place yet. In the latest South African Medical Journal, HBS Project Manager, Claudia Lopes, provides health professionals with insight into domestic violence and current legal and psychosocial support services.
The article, which can be accessed at http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/11409, particularly focuses on how to support and advise abused women about the practicalities of obtaining protection orders and accessing shelter services.