Screening for Intimate Partner Violence Led to Identification of More Affected Women

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

However, referrals to support services and violence against women remained unchanged.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for intimate partner violence in women of childbearing age and providing intervention services for women who screen positive (NEJM JW Gen Med Feb 12 2013). In a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials, investigators determined the effectiveness of screening for intimate partner violence in women (age, ≥16).

Researchers identified 11 trials (involving 13,000 women) in which clinicians either conducted screening or were informed of screening results. Compared with usual care, screening significantly increased identification of women who suffered intimate partner violence (risk ratio, 2.3), especially in prenatal (RR, 4.3) and emergency department settings (RR, 2.6). However, screening did not increase referrals to support services or prevent intimate partner violence.

Citation(s):

O'Doherty LJ et al. Screening women for intimate partner violence in healthcare settings: Abridged Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2014 May 13; 348:g2913.