Gender neutrality is crucial

doi:10.1136/bmj.39185.478160.3A

BMJ 2007;334:814 (21 April), doi:10.1136/bmj.39185.478160.3A

Letters

Intimate partner violence

Gender neutrality is crucial

The first 100% of the full text of this article appears below.

The idea that intimate partner violence affects only women remainsgospel to some people, which means that male victims suffera lack of understanding and recognition.¹ Staff involved inthis work need to be taught to recognise the injury patternsof intimate partner violence in men as well as women, provideinformation and support in their workplace, and not fail a considerableproportion of the very group of people they should be helping.

Alfred P J Lake, consultant in anaesthesia and pain management

Glan Clwyd Hospital, Rhyl LL18 5UJ

apjlake@aol.com

Competing interests: None declared.