Women battering in primary care practice

The organization of health care system to emphasize managed care has placed the primary care provider in an ideal position to assess the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on the health of women. Primary care practice provides a setting in which women can develop an ongoing relationship with their health care provider in which they feel safe to discuss IPV and possible options to improve their lives. Women's health and safety could be dramatically improved if primary care providers were prepared to assess, intervene and appropriately refer women who are in violent relationships.

The purpose of this article is to describe the prevalence of intimate partner violence in primary care populations and review the known physical, mental health and pregnancy consequences of abuse as well as discuss the implications of intimate partner violence on primary care practice.