California Family Health Council, Inc.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence, also known as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), is a pattern of abusive or coercive behavior that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. (1) It can occur in any relationship and can include:

• Physical or psychological abuse
• Sexual assault
• Social isolation
• Stalking
• Emotional or physical neglect
• Intimidation and threats

Intimate Partner Violence Is All Too Common.

As many as 3 million women are physically abused by their husband or boyfriend every year in this country. Nearly one-third of American women (31 percent) have been physically or sexually abused by a husband or partner at some point in their lives. (2) And although both males and females are perpetrators of IPV, women are much more likely than men to be killed or seriously injured by an intimate partner. (3, 4)

Intimate Partner Violence affects people of all ages. Young women aged 16 to 24 experience the highest per capita rate of intimate partner abuse. (5) Teen dating violence is not uncommon and teens may also experience abuse in the home. (6) In a national survey, 50 percent of the men who were often physically violent towards their wives were also physically abusive of their children. (7)

The single greatest risk of violence to a woman is from someone she knows.

Effects on Health

Intimate Partner Violence can lead to serious negative health consequences. Women who experience abuse may suffer physical injuries, such as bruises, broken bones, or even death. The mental health outcomes are equally severe. Victims often suffer from mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic-stress disorder.

Intimate Partner Violence may also negatively impact women’s reproductive health. Abusive relationships can result in unintended pregnancy, birth control sabotage, increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, and other gynecological problems.

What Health Professionals Can Do

Health professionals are in a unique position to help victims of abuse. Among victims of IPV who spoke to someone about their abuse, 37% spoke to their health care providers. (8) Health professionals can use encounters such as family planning visits as opportunities to screen for violence.

• Ask questions. Health care providers can improve their screening process for domestic violence by asking the question, “Has your partner ever hurt, hit or threatened you or made you feel afraid?” Many clients do not perceive themselves to be victims of domestic or intimate partner violence, so it is important to ask specific questions about their relationships.
• Be supportive. It is also important to give supportive messages to victims, such as, “No one deserves to be treated this way” or “This is not your fault.”
• Provide referrals. Providers can educate clients about abuse and provide appropriate referrals to community resources. Use outreach and education materials as part of the screening and referral process.
• Learn more about this issue. Organizations can provide staff training on IPV and ensure that there are protocols and policies that can address the issue when it arises.

Get Trained in Screening and Intervention for Intimate Partner Violence

Health professionals play an essential role in helping those affected by IPV. Health care providers and organizations wanting to enhance their skills and learn more about screening and intervention for IPV should take advantage of CFHC’s Screening and Intervention Training for Intimate Partner Violence.

In addition, CFHC provides a free, downloadable curriculum on Breaking the Cycle of Teen Intimate Partner Violence.

More information about Intimate Partner Violence can also be accessed at the website for the Family Violence Prevention Fund.

List of Sources

1. US Department of Justice. (2008). About domestic violence. Retrieved October 7, 2008 at http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/domviolence.htm.
2. Scott Collins, K., Schoen, C., Joseph, S., et al. (1999). Health concerns across a woman's lifespan: The Commonwealth Fund 1998 survey of women's health. Retrieved 10/21/08 at www.commonwealthfund.org.
3. Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief (2003). Intimate partner violence, 1993-2001. Retrieved 10/21/08 at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs.
4. Straus , MA & and Gelles, RJ (Eds.). (1990). Physical violence in American families. New Brunswick : Transaction Publishers.
5. Rennison, CM. & Welchans, S. (2003). Intimate partner violence 1993-2001. US Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics. Washington , DC . Retrieved 10/21/08 at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/ipv01.htm.
6. Family Violence Prevention Fund. (2008). The facts on teenagers and intimate partner violence. Retrieved October 7, 2008 at http://www.endabuse.org/resources/facts/Teenagers2.pdf
7. Straus et al. (1990). Physical violence in American families, 1990; Risk factors and adaptations to violence in 8,145 families. New Brunswick : Transaction Publishers.
8. Family Violence Prevention Fund. (2008). The facts on health care and domestic violence. Retrieved October 7, 2008 at http://endabuse.org/resources/facts/HealthCare.pdf

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