NCJ Number
204512
Journal
Maternal and Child Health Journal Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2000 Pages: 135-140
Editor(s)
Milton Kotekchuck Ph.D.
Date Published
June 2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This commentary outlines what is known about screening and intervention for intimate partner violence in clinical healthcare settings and points out areas that need greater attention.
Abstract
National data for 1992-1996 indicate that risk of violence by a current or former intimate partner peaks among women of reproductive age and is highest among women ages 20-24 years. In addition, women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) have reported higher prevalence of risk factors and behaviors that can result in poor reproductive health outcomes. Each encounter within a reproductive healthcare setting offers a potential opportunity to reach a woman who could be at risk of or affected by IPV. The ultimate goals of screening and intervention through reproductive health services should be to improve the health and safety of women and their children and to assist in reducing and preventing violence. Yet, the understanding of the most effective role for reproductive healthcare services in attaining these goals is limited. Progress needs to be made toward defining specific and measurable outcomes of clinical interventions based on meeting the needs of women who have experienced or are at risk of IPV. The purpose of this paper is to outline what is known and what needs to be known from the perspectives of healthcare providers, and healthcare institutions, in order to increase the involvement of reproductive healthcare services in sensitive, appropriate, and effective care for women who may be at risk of or affected by IPV. 47 References