Ann Coker, PhD¹, Paige H Smith, PhD², Vicki Flerx, PhD³, Mary Kay Fadden, MPH¹, and Daniel Whitaker, PhD⁴. (1) School of Public Health, University of Texas, PO Box 20186, Houston, TX 77225, 713 500 9955, acoker@sph.uth.tmc.edu, (2) Department of Public Health Education, UNC Greensboro, PO Box 26169, Greensboro, NC 27402, (3) Institute for Families in Society, University of South Carolina, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 27402-6169, (4) Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, GA 30341

Purpose Although intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem, the response from the healthcare system has been inconsistent because of the lack of empirically validated interventions. The goal of this study is to implement routine screening for IPV in a health care setting, and to evaluate two clinic-based interventions for IPV victims. Method Nurses at six clinics in South Carolina implemented IPV screening of women ages 18 and older using the Women’s Experiences with Battering (WEB) scale and questions to assess current or recent physical and sexual partner-violence. Two interventions were offered at different clinic: referral to an on-site IPV specialist and a seven-session Empowerment-focused intervention conducted by on-site clinical counselors. All women screening positive for IPV were offered interventions and invited into a two-year cohort study to assess impact. Results Approximately 85% of targeted women were offered screening, and acceptance of screening has been high: 3819 women having been offered screening and 2780 (73%) have accepted. Of those screened, 577 (25%) reported current or recent IPV, and 45% of those women enrolled in a 2 year follow-up study. Results regarding intervention use and impact are being analyzed and will be presented. Conclusion Routine screening in a health care setting is a challenging but viable method for identifying and providing services to IPV victims. Screening has been accepted by patients as indicated by the percentage of women agreeing to the screen. Support is needed for providers to consistently implement routine screening.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the implementation of intimate partner violence screening and interventions in South Carolina along with barriers to implementation. 2.Describe screening rates and intervention utilization of women screened for intimate partner violence.
• Describe help-seeking behavior of women who screen positive for intimate partner violence.

Keywords: Violence Prevention, Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.