Medical inquiry for intimate partner violence as reported by women in a shelter

The purpose of this study was to review medical inquiry rates for intimate partner violence (IPV). A review was carried out of year 2003 intake documentation at an IPV shelter. We reviewed self-reported 1) medical inquiry about partner abuse, 2) physician awareness of IPV, and 3) helpfulness of physician contact for women who sought care from either a primary care provider or an emergency medicine provider. Charts were reviewed for 89.3% of shelter residents from the year 2003. The self-report survey was completed by 49.5% of these shelter residents. Thirty-eight percent of the respondents reported that medical providers were unaware of their abusive relationship. Twenty-two percent of the respondents sought medical care after their last episode of partner abuse. Seventy-two percent of all those seeking care were asked if their injuries were due to abuse; 71% of those who sought medical care specifically in an emergency department were asked if their injuries were due to abuse. Thirty-two percent of respondents who had a primary care provider were asked about partner abuse during office visits. Sixty-six percent of all respondents who sought care after their last episode of partner abuse thought the medical care they received was helpful. Medical inquiry for IPV after an episode of partner abuse occurred for the majority of shelter residents who sought care in an emergency department, whereas inquiry for IPV among primary care providers at routine visits remained low.