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. 1999 Apr;89(4):575–578. doi: 10.2105/ajph.89.4.575

Mandatory reporting of intimate partner violence to police: views of physicians in California.

M A Rodriguez 1, E McLoughlin 1, H M Bauer 1, V Paredes 1, K Grumbach 1
PMCID: PMC1508892  PMID: 10191807

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study examined physicians' perspectives on mandatory reporting of intimate partner violence to police. METHODS: We surveyed a stratified random sample of California physicians practicing emergency, family, and internal medicine and obstetrics/gynecology. RESULTS: An estimated 59% of California primary care and emergency physicians (n = 508, 71% response rate) reported that they might not comply with the reporting law if a patient objects. Primary care physicians reported lower compliance. Most physicians agreed that the legislation has potential risks, raises ethical concerns, and may provide benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians' stated noncompliance and perceived negative consequences raise the possibility that California's mandatory reporting law is problematic and ineffective.

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Selected References

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