Much of the British domestic violence and health research emanates from localised studies focusing on women's wider experiences of domestic violence (Pahl, 1985, 1995; Home Office, 1989; McGibbon et al, 1989; Dobash and Dobash, 1992; Hague and Malos, 1993; McWilliams and McKiernan, 1993; Glass, 1995; Mama, 1996; Stanko et al, 1998). Alternatively, research has emerged from health practitioners in North America (Bograd, 1982; Stark and Flitcraft, 1982, 1995, 1996; Goldberg and Tomlanovich, 1984; Klingbeil and Boyd, 1984; Kurz, 1987; Kurz and Stark, 1988; Randall, 1990a, 1990b; Cascardi et al, 1992; Kornblit, 1994; Koss, 1994; Abbott et al, 1995; Delahunta, 1995; Johnson, 1995; Finkler, 1997; Fishbach and Herbert, 1997; Desjarlais and Kleinman, 1997; Schornstein, 1997; Gondolf, 1998). As such, much of the specific research focusing on domestic violence and health has emerged from feminist concerns rather than from purely medical considerations of domestic violence as a health issue. The research on which this book is based is intended to contribute to, and build upon, the following body of knowledge and will address a number of the key issues which such research has identified as central to a consideration of domestic violence and health.

Statistical relevance, injuries and prevalence

Although the occurrence of domestic violence is statistically high, there are few needs assessment studies which identify domestic violence as a specific health issue, particularly in Britain. The reasons for this lack of knowledge have been outlined already and include the previous focus on responses from other statutory and voluntary agencies. Focusing on the response of the medical profession to domestic violence is important, as many women will require healthcare services, whether they utilise them or not, for a diverse range of injuries (both physical and nonphysical) which are caused by domestic violence. Various healthcare professionals and researchers, again predominantly from North America, have identified the diverse range of symptoms which they believe are related to domestic violence.