|
|
|
|
|
Ann Coker, PhD, School of Public Health, University of Texas, PO Box 20186, Houston, TX 77225, 713 500 9955, acoker@sph.uth.tmc.edu
Clinic-based assessment and referral for partner violence can be an effective means to improve women’s health and safety; yet few interventions have been evaluated. This study was designed to evaluate two different clinic-based interventions. Nurses at six clinics in rural South Carolina implemented IPV screening of women ages 18 and older using the WEB scale and questions assessing physical and sexual partner violence. Two interventions were offered at different clinics: referral to an on-site IPV specialist and a seven-session Empowerment focused intervention conducted by on-site clinical counselors. Of 3,819 women offered screening, 2,780 (73%) agreed, with older women more likely to refuse (P <.0001). Of those screened, 577 (25%) were positive for IPV in the past 5 years (16.5% scored as current experiencing either battering (14.7%) or physical assaults (5.6%); 9% reported partner violence in a prior relationship). 172 IPV+ women (45% of eligibles) were recruited in a 2 year follow-up study to prospectively evaluate the interventions. IPV+ women reported relatively high help-seeking behaviors at baseline; in the past 6 months 34% had talked with their doctor about abuse, 50% had called police, 19% had called the crisis hotline, 10% had gone to a shelter, and more than 80% had left their partner at least once. Preliminary prospective evaluation of the interventions will be presented. Screening for IPV in primary health care clinics represents an important but challenging opportunity for providing services to women experiencing IPV.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Health Care Delivery
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.