Shining Light Into Darkness: Trauma-Informed Recognition of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse

Presented by: Violet Crabb, MSc-DML, CAE

Original Publication Date: April 10, 2026 (Virtual Spring Seminar 2026)

Course Description:

Domestic violence and child abuse frequently present with clinical indicators in the head, neck, and oral cavity, placing dental and medical professionals in a critical position to recognize early warning signs. Because victims often cannot safely disclose abuse during initial encounters—or control when their experiences can be shared—trauma-informed clinical strategies are essential for safe identification and response.

This course provides practical guidance for recognizing behavioral and physical indicators of abuse, applying trauma-informed communication techniques, documenting findings appropriately, and fulfilling mandated reporting responsibilities. Participants will learn how to offer discreet referral resources that protect patient safety and how to support patients across multiple visits when disclosure does not occur immediately. Emphasis is also placed on understanding the interconnected nature of family violence, including the frequent co-occurrence of caregiver and child victimization.

By strengthening clinicians’ ability to recognize risk patterns, respond appropriately, and build trust with vulnerable patients, this course supports the success of the oral-systemic practice by reinforcing the dental team’s role as a critical point of prevention, early intervention, and interdisciplinary coordination within whole-person healthcare.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify clinical, behavioral, and orofacial indicators associated with domestic violence and child abuse that may be observed during routine dental and medical examinations.
• Recognize patterns of injury and patient presentation involving the head, neck, and oral cavity that may suggest possible interpersonal violence across the lifespan.
• Apply trauma-informed communication strategies to safely screen patients and support individuals who may not initially disclose abuse.
• Describe mandated reporting responsibilities and documentation best practices appropriate for healthcare providers when abuse is suspected.
• Implement discreet referral strategies and interdisciplinary response approaches that support patient safety, including recognition of caregiver co-victimization and the need for persistence across multiple clinical encounters.

Practical Applications:

• Apply trauma-informed screening techniques during routine clinical encounters to identify behavioral and orofacial indicators of domestic violence and child abuse in patients across the lifespan.
• Analyze patterns of head, neck, and oral injuries alongside patient presentation to distinguish potential signs of interpersonal violence and guide appropriate clinical response.
• Implement mandated reporting protocols and document findings accurately while coordinating discreet referrals and interdisciplinary support to enhance patient safety and continuity of care.

Method: Lecture

Cost: Included in the Virtual Spring Seminar 2026 ticket

Location: Online (Zoom)

AGD Course Code: 156

Credit Hours: 1

Speaker Bio:

Violet Crabb, MSc-DML, is Executive Director of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health and brings more than 20 years of experience spanning healthcare information technology, education marketing, association leadership, and national continuing education program development. A recognized leader in healthcare marketing and tradeshow planning, design, and implementation, she designs initiatives that strengthen collaboration between healthcare professionals and improve patient-centered outcomes.

In addition to her professional leadership in oral–systemic education, Violet speaks from lived experience as a survivor of long-term domestic violence. This perspective informs her trauma-informed approach to helping clinicians recognize, respond to, and support patients experiencing abuse. She is deeply committed to equipping healthcare providers with practical strategies that improve early identification and safe intervention, particularly within dental settings where head and neck injuries are frequently first observed. Her work emphasizes that clinicians are often the first—and sometimes only—point of safety for vulnerable patients and children.

Violet leads the planning and execution of national and regional continuing education conferences and interdisciplinary training programs for AAOSH. She is a sought-after speaker and consultant on association education strategy, sponsor engagement, and integrated healthcare programming, having presented at trade shows on event planning, marketing, and population health management.

Raised in rural Appalachia as a first-generation college student, Violet’s work is grounded in a lifelong commitment to access, advocacy, and health equity. She is a recipient of the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award for Humanitarianism and continues to champion the role of healthcare professionals as compassionate advocates for patients who may not yet have a voice.

Conflict of Interest:

Executive Director, American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH)