Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate Partner Violence

2010 April | Megan H Bair-Merritt, MD, MSC
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue affecting children and families. IPV refers to violence between romantic partners and is associated with increased risk of child maltreatment. Children exposed to IPV may experience adverse social-emotional and physical health outcomes, including developmental delays, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. IPV also increases the likelihood of children being injured, particularly during parental altercations. Children exposed to IPV are more likely to have emergency department visits and may incur higher healthcare costs. IPV is prevalent in all racial and socioeconomic groups, with higher rates among younger women and those with lower socioeconomic status. Male-perpetrated IPV was first recognized as a public health problem in the 1960s, and recent studies show that women and men may perpetrate IPV at similar rates. However, women are more likely to be injured or killed by their partners. Over 15 million children in the U.S. are exposed to IPV annually, with severe cases involving physical violence between parents. Children exposed to IPV may be affected in various ways, including being present during violence, overhearing it, or witnessing its aftermath. IPV exposure is linked to adverse health outcomes, including childhood asthma, failure to thrive, and malnutrition. It also negatively affects adult health, with studies showing a correlation between childhood exposure to IPV and poor adult health outcomes. Screening for IPV in the pediatric setting is recommended to identify abused women and connect them to resources. Screening should be done with care, considering the presence of children and the potential for trauma. Providers should document IPV in the medical record if it is legally beneficial, but should also consider the risks and benefits. If a caregiver discloses IPV, the response should include an empathetic statement, assessment of safety, and provision of resources and safety planning. Pediatric providers are obligated to report suspected child abuse or neglect, including IPV exposure. Mandated reporting laws vary by state, and providers should be aware of their specific requirements. Screening for IPV should be done with consideration of the child's and mother's well-being, and providers should be prepared to offer support and resources. The management of IPV in the pediatric setting requires a compassionate and thorough approach to ensure the safety and well-being of both the child and the caregiver.Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue affecting children and families. IPV refers to violence between romantic partners and is associated with increased risk of child maltreatment. Children exposed to IPV may experience adverse social-emotional and physical health outcomes, including developmental delays, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. IPV also increases the likelihood of children being injured, particularly during parental altercations. Children exposed to IPV are more likely to have emergency department visits and may incur higher healthcare costs. IPV is prevalent in all racial and socioeconomic groups, with higher rates among younger women and those with lower socioeconomic status. Male-perpetrated IPV was first recognized as a public health problem in the 1960s, and recent studies show that women and men may perpetrate IPV at similar rates. However, women are more likely to be injured or killed by their partners. Over 15 million children in the U.S. are exposed to IPV annually, with severe cases involving physical violence between parents. Children exposed to IPV may be affected in various ways, including being present during violence, overhearing it, or witnessing its aftermath. IPV exposure is linked to adverse health outcomes, including childhood asthma, failure to thrive, and malnutrition. It also negatively affects adult health, with studies showing a correlation between childhood exposure to IPV and poor adult health outcomes. Screening for IPV in the pediatric setting is recommended to identify abused women and connect them to resources. Screening should be done with care, considering the presence of children and the potential for trauma. Providers should document IPV in the medical record if it is legally beneficial, but should also consider the risks and benefits. If a caregiver discloses IPV, the response should include an empathetic statement, assessment of safety, and provision of resources and safety planning. Pediatric providers are obligated to report suspected child abuse or neglect, including IPV exposure. Mandated reporting laws vary by state, and providers should be aware of their specific requirements. Screening for IPV should be done with consideration of the child's and mother's well-being, and providers should be prepared to offer support and resources. The management of IPV in the pediatric setting requires a compassionate and thorough approach to ensure the safety and well-being of both the child and the caregiver.
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Understanding Intimate partner violence.