Abstract
Overview: This article from the United States reviews the literature to establish a link between family violence and mental health, with particular reference to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The paper aims to provide information to assist health and other practitioners to recognise indicators of the onset of mental health disorders.

The paper examines the existing literature regarding:

• prevalence of domestic violence
• mental disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD and substance abuse
• lethal results of family violence
• experience with shelter victims
• the effects of childhood victimisation
• the co-occurrence of abuse.

The paper makes recommendations regarding universal assessment protocols for victims of assault or family violence.