Firearm Injury Prevention and Patient Safety: Online Course-Position Statement

Position Statement - Intimate Partner Violence

Pdf Summary

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem that affects individuals of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and cultures worldwide. IPV encompasses physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression by a current or former intimate partner. It can occur in heterosexual, transgender, and same-sex relationships, and does not require cohabitation or sexual intimacy.<br /><br />IPV has serious consequences, both for victims and for children who witness it. Victims are at risk for a range of adverse health outcomes, including substance abuse, depression, suicide, and physical and mental health conditions. Children exposed to IPV are also at increased risk for death in adulthood.<br /><br />The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) and the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) advocate for routine screening of adult and adolescent patients for IPV by emergency and forensic nurses. These healthcare professionals should provide screening with safety, confidentiality, privacy, and compassion in mind. They should also utilize available resources, such as sexual assault nurse examiners, to assist in identifying and intervening with patients experiencing IPV.<br /><br />Disclosure of abuse should be handled according to jurisdictional laws and institutional policies. Collaboration with other community professionals and healthcare disciplines is essential in developing strategies, protocols, and education for identification, reporting, protection, and prevention of IPV.<br /><br />Hospitals should take proactive measures to promote public awareness of IPV, provide culturally sensitive education and training to all staff, and ensure the safety of victims, patients, staff, and visitors. Research has shown that comprehensive approaches, including screening protocols, staff training, and access to support services, can increase screening rates and improve patient outcomes.<br /><br />Addressing IPV is crucial for reducing its public health burden and improving the well-being of patients. Emergency and forensic nurses play a vital role in identifying, assessing, intervening, and preventing IPV, and should continuously update their knowledge and skills in this area.

Keywords

Intimate partner violence

IPV

public health problem

physical violence

sexual violence

stalking

psychological aggression

heterosexual relationships

transgender relationships

same-sex relationships