Intimate Partner Violence

Question 1

What is intimate partner violence (IPV)?

Answer 1

IPV includes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression (including coercion) by a current or former intimate partner.

Question 2

What is teen dating violence?

Answer 2

A pattern of repeated physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in a dating relationship, including digital abuse through text or social media.

Question 3

How does IPV differ from domestic violence?

Answer 3

Domestic violence is a broader term that includes IPV as well as elder and child abuse.

Question 4

What are the main categories of IPV?

Answer 4

1. Physical violence: Intentional use of force causing harm or injury.
2. Sexual violence: Includes rape, coercion, or unwanted sexual contact.
3. Stalking: Repeated unwanted attention causing fear.
4. Psychological aggression: Verbal and nonverbal actions to harm or control.

Question 5

What is sexual and reproductive coercion?

Answer 5

It includes birth control sabotage and behaviors that pressure a partner into pregnancy decisions or sex without physical force.

Question 6

What are the risks associated with sexual and reproductive coercion?

Answer 6

Long-term risks include substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections, and risky sexual behaviors.

Question 7

What are the two primary theories of IPV?

Answer 7

1. Family violence perspective: Views IPV as part of broader family violence.
2. Feminist perspective: Focuses on gender and patriarchal domination.

Question 8

What is the Walker cycle of abuse?

Answer 8

A model with four phases:
1. Tension-building phase.
2. Acute-battering incident.
3. Reconciliation phase.
4. Calm or loving phase.

Question 9

What percentage of violent crimes against women in the U.S. is accounted for by IPV?

Answer 9

37%.

Question 10

What are the lifetime risks of IPV for women?

Answer 10

1. Physical assault: 25%–42%.
2. Sexual violence: 12%–22%.
3. Psychological aggression: 36%–57%.

Question 11

What is the clinician’s role in addressing IPV?

Answer 11

To recognize risk factors, stop the cycle of abuse, and provide support and resources.

Question 12

What are the health impacts of IPV?

Answer 12

IPV affects individuals and communities with high economic costs, persistent health problems, and long-term effects.

Question 13

When should IPV screening occur?

Answer 13

Periodically in primary care settings, including during prenatal visits, each trimester, and postpartum.

Question 14

What screening tools are available for IPV?

Answer 14

1. Routine IPV Assessment.
2. Campbell’s Danger Assessment (DA).
3. Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream (HITS) tool.

Question 15

What should a physical exam for IPV include?

Answer 15

Thorough assessment of injuries, mental health, neurologic system, gastrointestinal system, and reproductive health.

Question 16

How should IPV findings be documented?

Answer 16

With objective details such as location, size, and description of injuries, using diagrams and photographs if possible.

Question 17

What are special considerations for IPV in certain populations?

Answer 17

1. Adolescents: 9% report IPV; may involve sex trafficking.
2. Pregnant women: IPV can affect the mother and fetus.
3. Women veterans: Require routine IPV screening.
4. Women with disabilities: May need shelters accommodating disabilities.
5. Elderly women: May face abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.

Question 18

How does culture influence IPV?

Answer 18

Cultural norms can affect how IPV is perceived and addressed; screening tools should be culturally sensitive.

Question 19

What principles guide clinical management of IPV?

Answer 19

Empowerment, cultural competence, and addressing the specific stage of abuse or childbearing cycle.

Question 20

How can IPV prevention be promoted?

Answer 20

By fostering healthy relationships and prioritizing parent-child relationships to discourage violence.