Female victims of domestic violence usually have distinct patterns of facial injuries, a new research shows. Certain facial injuries caused by domestic abuse are higher than expected fractures of the cheekbones and eye sockets and these victims usually have more brain injuries.

 

According to the study published din the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, women are nearly four times more likely than men to be victims of domestic violence.

 

For the study, the researchers studied the medical and dental records of 326 women who were hospitalized for facial trauma at the University of Kentucky Medical Centre between 1998 and 2004.

 

The study has found about 25% to 33% of American adult women are affected by domestic violence. Of these, 88% to 94% seek medical help for head and neck injuries. Almost 56% of these women have facial fractures. Assault was linked to jaw fractures, breaks in the cheekbones, orbital blow-out fractures, and brain injuries.

 

The researchers hope the study will make doctors aware of what to look for and will help them recognize women who are victims of this type of abuse. Female victims of inmate partner violence usually get late to hospital. Facial plastic surgeons and other providers who treat maxillofacial injuries are in “a unique position” to identify these victims and initiate appropriate medical and social intervention, depending on the victims' needs and choices, the researchers said.

“Recognition of fracture patterns, as well as patients' manners of presentation….can assist physicians in identifying intimate partner violence and can be effective in the development of protocols and programs aimed at comprehensive treatment and follow-up with these patients,” the researchers said.