Numerous professional organizations (e.g. ACOG) have called on providers to routinely screen women for intimate partner violence (IPV). Some sexual and reproductive health programs have implemented such policies, including several affiliates of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). Nevertheless, recent articles and conferences have highlighted the lack of scientific evidence that could demonstrate whether screening for IPV improves women’s lives, and whether it poses any risks. Furthermore, researchers must overcome several conceptual and methodological hurdles. First, it is unclear what intermediate and outcome indicators can best measure the results of screening (e.g. the number of subsequent injuries, the proportion who leave violent relationships, perceived emotional well being, etc.). Second, conducting follow-up among women in violent situations poses a host of ethical and logistical challenges, including the need to protect the safety of respondents. IPPF’s Western Hemisphere Regional Office has worked with affiliates to implement screening for IPV and sexual abuse in several countries, including the Dominican Republic, Peru and Venezuela. Preliminary results suggest that screening and detection rates have increased. The remaining challenge is to determine whether and how these efforts improve women’s lives. As a first step, IPPF/WHR is planning qualitative data collection in three countries. The objective is to increase understanding of how screening and referral affects women’s lives. Researchers will follow-up and interview women identified through screening as survivors of IPV or sexual abuse. This presentation will review conceptual and methodological challenges of such research and present preliminary findings, including possible long-term and intermediate indicators of “success.” See www.ippfwhr.org
Learning Objectives: UL
Keywords: Violence, Screening
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: International Planned Parenthood Federation / Western Hemisphere Region (IPPF/WHR), PROFAMILIA (Dominican Republic), INPPARES (Peru), PLAFAM (Venezuela)
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.