Prevalence of intimate partner violence among women presenting to an urban adult and paediatric emergency care department

Abstract

Aim: To determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence among women seeking emergency healthcare.

Methods: Trained research assistants asked eligible adult women presenting to an urban emergency care department during randomly selected 4-hour time blocks to participate in a study about violence between partners. A structured interview was conducted that included a partner violence screen, identification of high risk, and lifetime prevalence. Culturally safe study protocols were developed that held women's and children's safety paramount.

Results: 174 women aged 16 to 88 years of age participated. Overall, 21% (95% CI=15.2%, 27.4%) of women screened positive for partner violence, and 44% (95% CI=36.9%, 51.7%) reported partner violence at some time in their adulthood.

Conclusion: A large proportion of women were willing to answer sensitive questions regarding partner violence during an emergency visit. Rates of partner violence among women seeking healthcare were significant, and consistent with rates reported internationally. Healthcare providers have an opportunity to identify and intervene to assist women exposed to abuse by a partner.