Intimate Partner Violence

Question 1

What is the definition of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)? (2 marks)

Answer 1

IPV is a type of domestic violence which includes any form of harm- physical, psychological, or sexual- often perpetrated by a current OR a former partner. The partner may live in the same household or not. It affects both men and women, but predominantly women.

Question 2

Name 3 different types/forms of IPV (3 marks)

Answer 2

Physical
· Sexual
· Psychological/ emotional
· Stalking

Question 3

Name and give a brief explanation of the three phases in the cycle of violence? (3 marks)

Answer 3

1) Tension building phase: build-up of stress between abuser and survivor.
2) Acute explosion phase: the act of violence occurs. Most dangerous phase.
3) Honeymoon phase: abuser expresses remorse, apologises and tries to make up for their actions. Survivor feels hopeful that relationship will improve, but as time passes, the tension builds up again, restarting the cycle of violence.

Question 4

Give 3 individual risk factors for intimate partner violence (3 marks)

Answer 4

Low-self esteem
· Young age
· Low education/ income
· Heavy alcohol and drug use
· Anger and hostility
· Antisocial personality traits
· Impulsivity
· Desire for control in relationship

Question 5

What are the impacts of IPV on a survivor, according to the following categories: (5 marks)
a. Physical impact (2)
b. Social impact (1)
c. Mental impact (2)

Answer 5

a) Physical impacts: (maximum 2 marks)
· Injuries: bruises, fractures, lacerations.
· Disability: severe injury can lead to temporary or permanent disability.
· Sexual and reproductive health risks: harm to reproductive organs, increased risk of unintended pregnancies, increased chance of spreading of STI’s

b) Social impacts: (maximum 1 marks)
- Isolation: survivors may be cut off from friends, family and support networks, either intentionally by the abuser, or in an effort to avoid addressing the situation.
- Increase in risky behaviour: using substances (alcohol or drugs), smoking and self-harming as a coping mechanism.

Mental impacts: (maximum 2 marks)
- Mental health disorders: Higher risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation.
- Poor concentration: Due to traumatic brain injuries, head trauma, or psychological stress, cognitive function (concentration, memory, decision-making) may be impaired.

Question 6

Give 2 red flags or signs of IPV you would look out for in a consultation, and name 2 different screening tools you can use (4 marks)

Answer 6

Red flags: (maximum 2 marks)
· Hesitation to seek medical care
· Unexplained bruises or injuries
· Substance abuse
· Fearful, avoidant, hostile.
· May avoid eye contact.
· If patient is accompanied by partner, partner refuses to allow patient to speak. Insists on speaking on their behalf.
· Frequent appointments, non-specific complaints
· Poor explanation of injuries /Trying to hide the root cause of injuries and the extent of injuries
· Anxious/ depressed

Screening tools: (maximum 2 marks)
1) HITS tool (hurt, insult, threaten, scream)
2) HARK tool (humiliated, afraid, rape, kicked)