Question 6: IPV

Question 1

Responsibility of the healthcare provider

Answer 1

Question 6: Intimate Partner Violence
* Realise that the abuse is happening: pick up on red flags and cues
* Recognise and acknowledge the patient’s concerns:
- Est relationship and confidentiality
- Acknowledge the pt story
- Assure that abuse is not acceptable and she is not to be blamed
* Relevant clinical assessment: what are the original complaints, additional sx, rx any organic causes
* Risk assessment:
- Don’t tell her to leave her partner, ask if scared for life/safety, children involved, patner has weapons or uses substances if feel she is in immediate danger refer her to a shelter / facility if she chooses this
* Help formulate a crisis plan
* Refer appropriatley
* Rigorous documentation

Question 2

How do you recognize that intimate partner violence (IPV) is happening?

Answer 2

Pick up on red flags and cues indicating abuse.

Question 3

How should you recognize and acknowledge the patient’s concerns?

Answer 3

Establish a trusting relationship and ensure confidentiality.

Acknowledge the patient’s story.

Assure the patient that abuse is not acceptable and she is not to be blamed.

Question 4

What should be included in the clinical assessment for IPV?

Answer 4

Identify the original complaints.
Assess for additional symptoms.
Rule out any organic causes of symptoms.

Question 5

What is involved in a risk assessment for IPV?

Answer 5

Do not tell the patient to leave their partner.
Ask if they fear for their life/safety.
Determine if children are involved.
Assess if the partner has weapons or uses substances.
If the patient is in immediate danger, offer referral to a shelter/facility if they choose this option.

Question 6

What steps should be taken to support the patient?

Answer 6

Help formulate a crisis plan.
Refer appropriately to social services, shelters, or legal aid.
Ensure rigorous documentation of findings and discussions.