CHAPTER 4: Effects of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women

Definition of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Contains several components Physical – Physical injury – Sexual violence Emotional – Threats of violence – Psychological/emotional abuse

Risk Factors for IPV Homicides Gender – Victims are predominantly female. Age – Women aged 35–49 are at highest risk. Race/Ethnicity – Women of color are at highest risk (not controlling for socioeconomic status). Nonlethal Physical and Sexual Assault Gender – Victims are predominantly female. Age – Women aged 16–24 are at highest risk. Race/Ethnicity – Difficult to determine, but often people of color are at highest risk.

IPV Risk: Other Vulnerable Populations People living in poverty Lesbian and transgender women People with disabilities Pregnant women

Negative Health Effects of IPV Physical Effects: Direct Outcomes – Injury (bruises, lacerations) – Traumatic brain injury – Damage to internal organs – Disability – Dismemberment – Death

Negative Health Effects of IPV Physical Effects: Indirect Outcomes – Higher use of healthcare services – Higher rates of: Cardiovascular disease Gastrointestinal problems Central nervous system disorders Urogenital problems Chronic pain

Negative Health Effects of IPV Psychological Effects: Direct Outcomes – Anxiety – Depression – Fear – Dissociation – Intrusive thoughts – Sleep disturbances – Substance use

Negative Health Effects of IPV Psychological Effects: Indirect Outcomes – Chronic mental health diagnoses – Most common diagnoses: Posttraumatic stress disorder Depression/mood disorders Anxiety disorders Substance use disorders Somatoform disorders Sleep disorders Sexual function disorders

Need for Routine Healthcare Screening Barriers to Routine Screening: – Belief that IPV is rare in clinical settings – Belief that IPV does not impact treatment outcomes – Lack of knowledge about conducting screening – Lack of confidence in handling IPV if it is detected

Need for Routine Healthcare Screening IPV screening is important to: – Aid in correct medical diagnosis, intervention, etiology, and prognosis – Decrease the negative impact of IPV, through safety planning and referrals to IPV resources

Sample IPV Screening Questions for Healthcare Providers Ask: Within the last year, have you been hit, slapped, or hurt in other ways by your partner or ex-partner? ___Yes ___No Are you frightened of your partner or ex-partner? ___Yes ___No If the woman answers “NO” to both questions, give the information card to her and say, “Here is information that we give to all women about domestic violence.” If the woman answers “Yes” to either or both questions, continue. Are you safe to go home when you leave here? ___Yes ___No Would you like some assistance with this? ___Yes ___No

Conclusions IPV against women is a devastating, yet common, occurrence. IPV has significant physical and mental health effects for women. For healthcare providers, simply asking about IPV is itself an intervention. Healthcare providers should educate themselves about the resources available for victims of IPV.