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Physicians' Experiences with Male Patients Who Perpetrate Intimate Partner Violence
Brian Penti1, Huong Tran2, Joanne Timmons2
1From the Department of Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA (BP, HT); the Domestic Violence Program, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA (JT); the Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA (EFR); and the Department of Family Medicine, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI (JW). Brian.Penti@bmc.org.
Introduction:
Despite the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV), there is a paucity of research exploring the role that physicians might play in intervening with IPV perpetrators.
Methods:
A qualitative study explored interactions between family medicine physicians and male perpetrators of IPV. Fifteen physicians were purposefully sampled from 1 hospital system. The physicians were individually interviewed using a semistructured interview guide, and interview transcripts were analyzed using techniques from grounded theory.
Results:
Three main themes relating to physicians' experiences were identified: (1) how physicians learned of or identified IPV perpetration by men (usually disclosure by the victim, but perpetrators also disclosed it); (2) how physicians assessed for comorbidities or responded to IPV perpetration by men; and (3) facilitators of and barriers to physician identification of and response to IPV perpetration by men. Facilitators identified include having a trusting relationship with the perpetrator and support services, whereas barriers consisted of strong negative emotions and a lack of training.
Conclusions:
Family medicine physicians in this sample reported feeling underprepared to serve patients whom they know are perpetrators of IPV, particularly if they are also providing care to the victim. Additional research is needed to develop interventions and effective trainings.
Insights
Family physicians often feel unprepared to address intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration by male patients. Lack of training and negative emotions are key barriers, highlighting the need for specialized interventions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Public Health
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent, yet physician intervention with perpetrators remains under-researched.
- Physicians may encounter IPV perpetrators in clinical settings, necessitating understanding of their role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore family medicine physicians' experiences intervening with male IPV perpetrators.
- To identify facilitators and barriers to physician identification and response to IPV perpetration.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 15 family medicine physicians.
- Semistructured interviews analyzed using grounded theory techniques.
Main Results:
- Physicians identified IPV perpetration through victim disclosure or perpetrator self-disclosure.
- Key themes included assessment of comorbidities, response strategies, and facilitators/barriers.
- Facilitators: trusting relationships, support services. Barriers: negative emotions, lack of training.
Conclusions:
- Physicians feel underprepared to manage IPV perpetrators, especially when also treating victims.
- Further research is required to develop effective interventions and training programs for physicians.