Domestic violence poses a significant public health challenge in India, greatly affecting women’s health. This study investigates the social and legal aspects of domestic violence within a hospital setting, focusing on healthcare documentation and the role of providers. Conducted in a tertiary care hospital in West Delhi, the research involved reviewing medicolegal case registers, assessing documentation quality, and interviewing healthcare professionals.

Findings indicate that inadequate documentation practices undermine the reliability of evidence, making it difficult to assess the prevalence of domestic violence and implement effective interventions. Although a strong legal framework exists, cultural barriers complicate the identification and documentation of such cases. Healthcare providers face numerous obstacles, including heavy patient loads, limited resources, insufficient training, and challenges in merging healthcare practices with legal requirements.

The study highlights the urgent need for better recognition of domestic violence, enhanced training for healthcare professionals, and standardized documentation practices to improve responses to these incidents in healthcare environments.