Intimate Partner Violence ENA/IAFN Joint Position Statement-Intimate Partner Violence ENA/IAFN Joint Position Statement

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Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health issue that affects individuals across all demographics. IPV encompasses various forms of abuse, including physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression, perpetrated 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 for both the victims and their children. Victims are at increased risk for adverse health outcomes, including substance and alcohol abuse, depression, suicide, and physical and mental health conditions. Children who witness IPV are also at increased risk for various health problems later in life.<br /><br />Emergency and forensic nurses play a crucial role in identifying and assisting patients experiencing IPV. It is recommended that these nurses routinely and confidentially screen all adult and adolescent patients for IPV, considering their safety and privacy. They should utilize available resources, such as sexual assault nurse examiners and forensic nurse examiners, to aid in the identification and intervention of IPV cases. However, nurses must also disclose the limits of confidentiality and report IPV according to jurisdictional laws and institutional policies.<br /><br />Collaboration with other healthcare professionals and community organizations is essential in developing strategies and protocols for improved identification, reporting, protection, and prevention of IPV. It is important for hospitals and healthcare systems to provide ongoing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed education and training to all staff members.<br /><br />Despite the high prevalence of IPV, screening rates by healthcare providers remain low. It is necessary to implement comprehensive approaches that include effective screening protocols, staff training, immediate access to support services, and institutional support for addressing IPV.<br /><br />IPV prevention and intervention can help decrease the burden of IPV and improve the health and well-being of individuals. Continuous training in best practice guidelines can empower emergency nurses to identify and provide resources for those at risk, contributing to improved outcomes for patients.

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intimate partner forensic

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Keywords

Intimate partner violence

IPV

global public health issue

physical violence

sexual violence

stalking

psychological aggression

heterosexual relationships

transgender relationships

same-sex relationships