Many of the studies in the review screened women who were either pregnant or new moms because they are accessing health care, Nelson said, "but women who come in for a routine physical or pelvic exam might float under the radar."
Zolotor said that certain times might be the most appropriate to screen, such as when a doctor or clinic sees a patient for the first time or when a patient becomes pregnant.
As of August 2012, the Affordable Care Act is requiring that insurance covers domestic violence screening every year, as well as counseling, as part of preventive health services.
Between 1.3 million and 5.3 million women in the United States experience domestic violence each year, and between 22 percent and 39 percent of women experience abuse at some point in their lives, according to the review.
More information
To learn more about domestic violence, visit Helpguide.org.
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