The consequences of abuse can be grave, and the over whelming tendency is for victims to hide or deny any experience of abuse. Therefore, it is appropriate, after a secure doctor-patient relationship has been established, to recommend that dentists undertake sensitive screening for issues of physical and sexual abuse with patients in whom persistent pain is a dependable part of the clinical picture. The recommended assessment process in the so-called AVDR model: ask about abuse; provide validating messages; document presenting signs and symptoms; and refer victims to specialists who treat victims of domestic violence.