Addressing intimate partner violence with midlife women: awareness, support, empowerment

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent women's health problem that affects the health and well-being of midlife women. Clinicians who provide care to women have a responsibility to address IPV with their patients. Given the complexities surrounding IPV disclosure, the latest recommendations for IPV move beyond prior approaches that emphasize IPV screening and identification to that of universal education about IPV. Women experiencing IPV have indicated the utility of receipt of IPV information and resources regardless of disclosure. Further, a universal-education approach raises awareness about IPV for all patients to understand that IPV is prevalent, that IPV is associated with numerous negative health consequences, and that help is available.