Domestic Abuse

Question 1

What is domestic abuse?

Answer 1

Any form of physical, verbal, sexual psychological or financial abuse which takes place within the context of a relationship

Question 2

What act made domestic abuse a specific criminal offence?

Answer 2

The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 20184

Question 3

How many women and men in Scotland are affected by domestic abuse?

Answer 3

Women - 1 in 5
Men - 1 in 6
Women are more likely to be affected repeatedly

Question 4

Give examples of gender based violence

Answer 4

Rape and sexual assault
Sexual exploitation and trafficking
Domestic abuse
Stalking

Question 5

What are the types of abuse?

Answer 5

Verbal
Emotional
Physical
Sexual
Financial

Question 6

Who is most at risk of domestic abuse?

Answer 6

Women
Age 16-24 (women) or 16-19 (men)
Those with mental health problems
Women who are separated
Those who are pregnant

Question 7

What are some consequences of domestic abuse?

Answer 7

Non - fatal - mental health issues, physical issues, chronic conditions
Fatal - suicide, mortality

Question 8

What are ACES?

Answer 8

Adverse childhood events such as abuse, neglect and household dysfunction

Question 9

How common are ACES?

Answer 9

70% of the population have one ACE
9% have 4 or more ACES

Question 10

How can dentists recognise victims of domestic abuse?

Answer 10

Repeated injuries
Bruises at different stages of healing
Unlikely explanations for injury
Oro-facial pain
Behaviour - low self-esteem, anxious

Question 11

What is AVDR?

Answer 11

Ask Validate Document Refer
Dentists can help patients reach out and offer help

Question 12

Give examples of ways of asking about domestic abuse

Answer 12

Is everything okay
Ive noticed you’ve got some bruising on your neck, has anyone hurt you
You dont seem your usual self, is everything okay
Do you feel safe