Intimate Partner Violence

Question 1

Define intimate partner violence

Answer 1

• Intentional controlling behavior
• Physical, sexual or psychological
• In the context of an intimate relationship

Question 2

What factor may double the risk of IPV?

Answer 2

Pregnancy

Question 3

How does prevalence of IPV compare in heterosexual vs. homosexual couples?

Answer 3

Similar

but transgender at highest risk

Question 4

Which group of people are most at risk for IPV?

Answer 4

Transgender

Question 5

Detection of IPV by providers

Answer 5

POOR - 10% detection rate

Question 6

Clinical presentation of IPV

Answer 6

• Direct or indirect s/s

- Thorough hx needed

Question 7

Red flags for IPV in history

Answer 7

• Delay in seeking care
• Illogical explanation of injury
• Multiple somatic complaints (vague)
• Depression and anxiety
• Pregnancy
• Substance abuse
• Recent diagnosis of HIV
• Fam hx of IPV
• Overbearing partner

Question 8

Suicide risk of IPV patients?

Answer 8

1 out of every 10 battered woman attempts suicide (of those, 50% try more than once)

Question 9

Possible physical exam findings of IPV

Answer 9

• Inappropriate behavior (fright, crying, no eye contact)
• Multiple injuries
• Injuries tend to occur center of body
• Injuries at different stages of healing

Question 10

How do IPV injuries tend to present?

Answer 10

• Toward center of body (head, neck, chest, abdomen)
• Upper arms from fending off attacks
• Bruises, lacs, burns, bites, fx

Question 11

5 basic tasks of IPV treatment

Answer 11

1. Validate the problem
2. Assess pt safety
3. Document clearly and completely
4. Provide info and referrals
5. Reporting requirement

Question 12

What treatment methods are NOT recommended in IPV patients?

Answer 12

Do NOT:

• Try to control victim’s behavior (ending the relationship)
• Recommend couples therapy
• Use the word “alleged”
• Ask what provoked the violence

Question 13

What are the provider’s barriers to identifying and treating IPV?

Answer 13

• Lack of provider training
• Lack of institutional support
• Lack of time
• Provider discomfort

Question 14

What are the patient’s barriers to getting treatment for IPV?

Answer 14

• Fear
• Economic
• Psychological
• Social support
• Lack of options

Question 15

What are the IPV mandatory reporting requirements in MA and NH?

Answer 15

• MA: only if firearms, knife wounds or burns

- NH: only if GSW