Domestic Violence: A CME Guide to Identifying Victims and Perpetrators - 2 AOA Category 1-A Credits

Provided by an AOA-accredited Category 1 CME sponsor, this activity is eligible for AOA Category 1-A credit and includes instructor interaction; questions submitted by email will receive a response within 48 hours. Domestic violence affects patients across every demographic and often presents indirectly through injuries, chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disruption, reproductive concerns, and frequent visits for vague or escalating symptoms. This course equips osteopathic physicians and other healthcare professionals with practical, evidence-informed skills to recognize warning signs of abuse in both victims and perpetrators and to respond in a way that prioritizes safety, trauma-informed care, and appropriate documentation. Participants will review categories of violence and the cycle of abuse, then apply best practices for screening, assessment, and intervention that fit real clinical workflows. Because many victims remain unidentified due to barriers in disclosure and provider uncertainty, the activity emphasizes clear frameworks for identification, documentation, and legally compliant next steps, including mandatory reporting requirements. The goal is to strengthen clinical confidence, reduce missed opportunities for support, and improve patient safety through consistent, patient-centered practice. This course satisfies the 2-hour Domestic Violence requirement for physicians in Florida.

Domestic violence is a significant public health crisis affecting individuals across all demographics. This course equips physicians and healthcare professionals with the knowledge to recognize the signs of abuse in both victims and perpetrators. Participants will explore the categories of violence, the cycle of abuse, and best practices for screening, assessment, and intervention. Despite high prevalence, many victims remain unidentified in clinical settings due to barriers in screening and provider uncertainty regarding intervention. This course addresses these gaps by providing evidence-based frameworks for identification, documentation, and compliance with mandatory reporting laws.

This course satisfies the 2-hour Domestic Violence requirement for physicians in Florida.