Chapter 21 - Intimate partner violence against women

Summary

Violence against women is widely prevalent, causes serious psychological and physical damage, and brings women to the attention of the health care system on a daily basis. Severe levels of violence include punching, kicking, choking, or beating up one's partner, or threatening one with a knife or gun, or using weapons to harm the other. Severe violence occurs in about 3% of American couples each year. Sociological theories posit that western society contains structures that support men who hit and suppress women who try to escape violent relationships. Batterers may use jealousy or guilt to limit their partners' interactions with others. The screening question should use behavior-words, such as hitting, hurting, or threatening. Several sets of screening questions have been tested for sensitivity and specificity. The impact of violence on a woman's health and family life demands a comprehensive response from health care providers.