Screening for intimate partner violence when children are present: the victim's perspective

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent but often undetected in healthcare settings.
• Current recommendations advise screening women alone, which may be challenging in practice.
• Limited research exists on women's preferences for IPV screening with children present.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore mothers'/survivors' desires regarding intimate partner violence screening and discussions in front of their children.
• To understand the feasibility and patient experience of IPV screening in pediatric settings.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 32 mothers/survivors from IPV shelters or support groups.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted and audio-recorded.
• Thematic analysis was used to analyze transcribed interview data.

Main Results:

• Mothers expressed comfort with general IPV screening questions when children (ages 3-12) were present.
• Participants preferred private settings for in-depth discussions about abuse.
• Mothers desired private sharing of resources and support information.

Conclusions:

• General IPV screening questions can be utilized in the presence of children.
• Healthcare providers should prioritize private settings for detailed conversations about IPV.
• Balancing screening efficiency with patient privacy and comfort is crucial for effective IPV intervention.