Domestic violence can affect anyone, although women are most often the victims men can be too. It affects all groups regardless of race, religion, class or sexual orientation. Did you know that on average a woman will experience 35 incidents of domestic violence before she will report it? The more health professionals  are willing to raise the issue, the more likely it is that a victim will get help. You might not be able to provide that help yourself but you can provide information on where to get it.

Most victims of domestic violence are hit around the head and neck region so dentists are in a very good position to spot the signs of domestic abuse and to signpost victims towards appropriate help. This initiative is very simple-all you have to do is ask the question and provide information. It is based on a tried and tested American programme AVDR. There is good evidence that it works.

Read some background information on MAV's domestic violence initiative HERE

Download our Domestic Abuse Dental Initiative practice note HERE

Further reading around Domestic Abuse and the intervention

What victims of domestic violence need from the dental profession

Dentists attitudes and behaviours regarding domestic violence

Musculoskeletal Manifestations of Physical Abuse after Intimate Partner Violence

Maxillofacial Injuries and Violence Against Women

Changing dentists' knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding domestic violence through an interactive multimedia tutorial

Preparing dental students to recognise and respond to domestic violence

Cochrane review on Domestic Violence Interventions 2010