Addressing Caregiver Intimate Partner Violence in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Social Science

Background:

• Caregiver intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue, with approximately 25% of children exposed to family violence.
• Exposure to IPV is linked to adverse physical, emotional, and cognitive developmental outcomes in children.
• Pediatric emergency departments (EDs) serve as crucial settings for identifying and intervening in cases of caregiver IPV due to frequent healthcare utilization by affected families.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the prevalence of caregiver intimate partner violence (IPV) in pediatric settings.
• To identify best practices for the identification, trauma-informed care, documentation, and resource provision for caregiver IPV within pediatric emergency departments (EDs).
• To advocate for universal education strategies to normalize conversations and enhance support access for caregivers affected by IPV.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical guidelines on caregiver IPV in pediatric emergency settings.
• Exploration of the prevalence and impact of IPV on child health outcomes.
• Analysis of best practices for screening, intervention, and resource allocation in pediatric EDs.
• Highlighting the American Academy of Pediatrics-endorsed universal education approach.

Main Results:

• Caregiver IPV is prevalent, necessitating proactive identification and intervention strategies in pediatric EDs.
• Universal education, providing IPV resources to all caregivers, is an effective method to normalize discussions and increase support access.
• Implementing trauma-informed care, thorough documentation, and resource provision are key components of effective intervention.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric emergency departments are vital for addressing caregiver IPV and mitigating its impact on child well-being.
• Universal education and trauma-informed care are essential strategies for enhancing IPV identification and intervention in pediatric EDs.
• Continued efforts are crucial to improve the response to caregiver IPV within the pediatric healthcare system to address this widespread public health concern.