Abstract

Domestic violence is a multi-faceted problem and its victims are women from all social classes and positions. Studies involving domestic violence have been carried out by investigators in various disciplines, including medicine, psychology and social science. In this paper we discuss the ethical responsibilities of investigators who are concerned with the health aspects of domestic violence.The physical safety of respondents and interviewer from potential retaliatory violence by the abuser is of prime importance. At the same time the women, as the subject and beneficiary of the research, need to give full informed consent and ensure that the interview process is affirming and does not cause distress. It is important that research findings are fed into ongoing advocacy policy making and intervention activities.Physicians have a crucial role in health care system's response to domestic violence. It is not the physicians' responsibility to solve the problem of domestic violence. It is all of our responsibility. Whatever the form of a study there are certain basic ethical principles that investigators should follow