Eight out of ten general practitioners encounter cases of violence on a monthly basis, either through their own observations or through reports from patients. This figure, taken from the INPES 2003 Health Barometer Survey of Doctors and Pharmacists, confirms the findings reported by the High Committee on Public Health, which highlight the essential role that doctors play in detecting—and therefore preventing—all types of violence. Many doctors, however, feel helpless in the face of this phenomenon; conversely, those who work in networks with other healthcare professionals seem to be more aware of these concerns. [article excerpt]