special collections - health
Domestic and family violence and health issues - UPDATED APRIL 2011
Introduction
On World Health Day 2009, the Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse is releasing a special collection of research and resources on health issues. Research demonstrates short and long term health related impacts of domestic and family violence, with studies indicating that such violence is a key determinant of morbidity and mortality for women.
Health care settings are a critical place to provide assistance to people affected domestic and family violence. Victims may seek help for a wide range of health issues related to the abuse, including for physical injuries, chronic health problems, disability, mental health issues or general health advice. They may seek help from diverse health practitioners, who are in a unique position to provide immediate assistance for the health issues, as well as prevention and support through screening, information provision, referral and intervention.
In this special collection, you will find research and resources related to:
- Health impacts
- Mental health impacts
- Pregnancy
- Screening and risk assessment
- Health care responses
- Resources and training kits for health professionals
Click here for a list of all our resources on this topic.
Abused women disclose partner interference with health care: an unrecognised form of battering
McCloskey LA, Williams CM, Lichter E, Gerber M, Ganz ML & Sege R 2007, ‘Abused women disclose partner interference with health care: an unrecognised form of battering’, Journal of General Internal Medicine, vol. 22, no. 8, pp. 1067-1072, Record #4133
This US study examines the extent to which abusive partners attempt to control women’s access to health care professionals and concludes that partner interference poses a significant obstacle to women’s ability to access health care.
Adult health and relationship outcomes among women with abusive experiences during childhood
Cannon EA, Bonomi AE, Anderson ML, Rivara FP & Thompson RS 2010, ‘Adult health and relationship outcomes among women with abuse experiences during childhood’, Violence and Victims, Vol. 25, No. 3, pp. 291-305, Record #4893
The findings in this article reveal adverse long-term and incremental effects of differing child abuse experiences on women's health and relationships.
History of domestic violence and physical health in midlife
Loxton, D, Schofield, M, Hussain, R & Mishra, G 2006, ‘History of domestic violence and physical health in midlife’, Violence Against Women, vol. 12, no. 8, pp. 715-731, Record #3677
This Australian article presents the findings of a survey of 14,100 Australian women aged 45-50 years, which examined the prevalence of specific health disorders in women who had experienced domestic violence.
Home is where the hurt is: a statistical analysis of injuries caused by spousal assault
Borooah VK & Mangan J 2006, Home is where the hurt is: a statistical analysis of injuries caused by spousal assault, Department of Economics, Macquarie University, Sydney, Record #3728
This paper reports on the findings from a study of data from Emergency Departments of participating hospitals in Queensland, to compare data on injuries from spousal and non-spousal assault.
Hospital admissions of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians due to interpersonal violence, July 1999 to June 2004
Berry JG, Harrison JE & Ryan P 2009, ‘Hospital admissions of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians due to interpersonal violence, July 1999 to June 2004’, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Vol. 33 No. 3, pp. 215-222, Record #4625
This Australian study compares patterns of injury hospitalisation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. It examines the relationship of age, gender, geographical location and Indigenous identification to injury related hospitalisations, particularly where the injury is caused by interpersonal violence.
The impact of domestic abuse for older women: a review of the literature
McGarry J, Simpson C & Hinchliff-Smith K 2011, 'The impact of domestic abuse for older women: a review of the literature ', Health and Social Care in the Community, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 3-14, Record #5096
One of the objectives of this review article is to summarise the health and mental health effects of Intimate Partner Violence on older women.
Intimate partner violence and women's contraceptive use
Williams, CM; Larsen, U; McCloskey, LA 2008, 'Intimate partner violence and women's contraceptive use', Violence Against Women, vol. 14, no. 12, pp. 1382-1396, Record #4451
This article explores differences in contraceptive use between abused and nonabused women, using a case—control study of 225 women.
Intimate partner violence and women's physical and mental health in the WHO multi-country study on women's health and domestic violence: and observational study
Garcia-Moreno, C, Jansen, HAFM, Ellsberg, M, Heise, L & Watts, CH 2008, 'Intimate partner violence and women's physical and mental health in the WHO multi-country study on women's health and domestic violence: and observational study', The Lancet, vol. 371, pp. 1165-1172, Record #4317
This article summarises the results of standardised population-based surveys carried out between 2000 and 2003, in which women aged between 15 and 49 were interviewed about their experience with intimate partner violence and various symptoms associated with physical and mental health.
The neurobiological toll of child abuse and neglect
Neigh GN, Gillespie CF & Nemeroff CB 2009, 'The neurobiological toll of child abuse and neglect', Trauma, violence & abuse, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 389-410, Record #4710.
This article presents the biological consequences and transgenerational outcomes of violence and abuse and highlights their importance for disease research and public health policy.
Wu V, Huff H & Bhandari M 2010, ‘Pattern of physical injury associated with intimate partner violence in women presenting to the emergency department: a systematic review and meta-analysis’ Trauma, Violence & Abuse, Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 71-82, Record #4896
This US study examines patterns of physical injury associated with intimate partner violence among women presenting to emergency room departments.
Risk factors for femicide-suicide in abusive relationships: results from a multisite case control study
Koziol-Mclain J, Webster, D, McFarlane, J, Block, CR, Ulrich Y, Glass, N, Campbell, JC 2006, 'Risk factors for femicide-suicide in abusive relationships: results from a multisite case control study', Violence and Victims, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 3-21, Record #3763
This article looks at femicide-suicide (the killing of women by men who then take their own lives) risk factors in an eleven-city case control study of femicide in the US.
Violence-induced disability: the consequences of violence against women and children
Ollie L & MacDonald H 2006, Violence-induced disability: the consequences of violence against women and children, Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre, Victoria, Record #3748
This Australian discussion paper reviews the current state of knowledge about disability caused by violence against women and children, with the aim of raising public awareness and discussion.
Bridging the gap: evaluation of the Domestic Violence and Mental Health Pilot Project - Joan Harrison Support Services For Women
Laing L & Toivonen C 2010, ‘Bridging the gap: evaluation of the Domestic Violence and Mental Health Pilot Project - Joan Harrison Support Services For Women’, University of Sydney, Sydney,
Record #5128
This report outlines the findings of an evaluation into the Domestic Violence and Mental Health (DV&MH) service, a pilot project established in 2008 in Liverpool, New South Wales.
Common mental health correlates of domestic violence
Robertiello G 2007, 'Common mental health correlates of domestic violence', Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 111-121, Record #4287
This article from the United States reviews the literature to establish a link between family violence and mental health, with particular reference to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Differing effects of partner and nonpartner sexual assault on women's mental health
Temple, JR, Rodriguez, BF; Weston, R, Marshall, LL 2007, 'Differing effects of partner and nonpartner sexual assault on women's mental health' , Violence Against Women, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 285-297,
Record #3921
This study contrasted the effects of intimate partner and nonpartner sexual assault on women's mental health among a sample (N = 835) of low-income, ethnically diverse community women.
Emotional development in the context of conflict: the indirect effects of interparental violence on children
Dehon C & Weems CF 2010, ‘Emotional development in the context of conflict: the indirect effects of interparental violence on children', Journal of Child and Family Studies, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 287-297, Record #4891
This research examined the links between interparental violence and children’s internalizing and externalizing problems by testing a theoretical model for indirect pathways from interparental violence to childhood emotional problems.
The impact of family and community violence on children’s depression trajectories: examining the interactions of violence exposure, family social support, and gender
Kennedy AC, Bybee D, Sullivan CM & Greeson M 2010, ‘The impact of family and community violence on children’s depression trajectories: examining the interactions of violence exposure, family social support, and gender', Journal of Family Psychology, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 197-207,
Record #5022
This US study looks at the relationships between witnessing intimate partner violence, exposure to community and school violence, family support networks, gender and depression in a group of 100 school-aged children over a 2 year period.
The impact of partner stalking on mental health and protective order outcomes over time
Logan TK & Cole J 2007, 'The impact of partner stalking on mental health and protective order outcomes over time', Violence and Victims, vol. 22, no. 5, pp. 546-562, Record #4226
The goals of this study were to examine stalking victimization over time among a large sample (n = 662) of women who received a protective order against a violent partner and to examine the impact of stalking on mental health and protective order outcomes.
Intimate partner violence and barriers to mental health care for ethnically diverse populations of women
Rodríguez M, Valentine JM, Son JB, & Muhammad M 2009, 'Intimate partner violence and barriers to mental health care for ethnically diverse populations of women', Trauma, violence & abuse, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 358-374, Record #4789
This article presents a review of the literature regarding barriers to mental health care and minority women and then looks more closely at those research studies with findings on women of one or more ethnic minority groups, potential barriers to accessing mental health care, and a nonexclusive focus on IPV.
Intimate partner violence, PTSD and adverse health outcomes
Dutton MA, Green BL, Kaltman SI, Roesch DM, Zeffiro TA & Krause DE 2006, ‘Intimate partner violence, PTSD and adverse health outcomes’, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 21, no. 7, pp. 955-968, Record #3719
This US article examines research from the past 20 years on the relationship between intimate partner violence and adverse health outcomes, particularly PTSD.
Mental health consequences of intimate partner abuse: a multidimensional assessment of four different forms of abuse
Mechanic MB, Weaver TL, & Resick PA 2008, 'Mental health consequences of intimate partner abuse: a multidimensional assessment of four different forms of abuse', Violence Against Women, vol. 14, no. 6, June, pp. 634-654, Record #4300
This article explores the independent contributions of physical violence, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and stalking on symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among a sample of 413 severely battered, help-seeking women in the United States.
Mental health correlates of intimate partner violence in marital relationships in a nationally representative sample of males and females
Afifi TO, MacMillan H, Cox BJ, Asmundson GJG, Stein MB & Sareen J 2009, ‘Mental health correlates of intimate partner violence in marital relationships in a nationally representative sample of males and females’ Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol. 24, No. 8, pp. 1398-1417, Record #4641
This article examines relationships between physical intimate partner violence and child abuse, mental disorders, and suicidal ideation and attempts among males and females.
The neurobiological toll of child abuse and neglect
Neigh GN, Gillespie CF & Nemeroff CB 2009, 'The neurobiological toll of child abuse and neglect',
Trauma, Violence & Abuse, Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 389-410, Record #4710
This study demonstrates how exposure to interpersonal violence or abuse affects the physical and emotional well-being of affected individuals. In particular, it examines how exposure to trauma during development increases the risk of psychiatric and other medical disorders beyond the risks associated with adult violence exposure.
Outcomes from referring batterer program participants to mental health treatment
Gondolf EW 2009, ‘Outcomes from referring batterer program participants to mental health treatment’, Journal of Family Violence, Vol. 24, No. 8, pp. 577-588, Record #4702
A quasi-experimental study was conducted to investigate the impact of referral to supplemental mental health treatment for batterer program participants who screened positive for mental health problems.
Pathways linking intimate partner violence and posttraumatic disorder
Dutton MA 2009, ‘Pathways linking intimate partner violence and posttraumatic disorder’, Trauma, Violence & Abuse, Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 211-224, Record #4633
The article discusses a survey involving 3,429 women enrolled in a US health maintenance organization for 3 or more years. The findings are 46 per cent of participants who were screened reported a lifetime history of any intimate partner violence and 14.7 per cent reported a history within the past 5 years, including physical, sexual, and nonphysical types.
Relationship between type of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder among urban children and adolescents
Luthra R, Abramovitz R, Greenberg R, Schoor A, Newcorn J, Schmeidler J, Levine P, Nomura Y, & Chemtob CM 2009, ‘Relationship between type of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder among urban children and adolescents’, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol. 24, No. 11, pp. 1919-1927, Record #4712
This US study examines the association between trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder among 157 help-seeking children (aged 8-17). The study observes that confrontation with traumatic news, witnessing domestic violence, physical abuse, and sexual abuse are each significantly associated with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Relationships among abuse characteristics, coping strategies, and abused women's psychological health: a path model
Parker, G & Lee, C 2007, 'Relationships among abuse characteristics, coping strategies, and abused women's psychological health: a path model', Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 22, no. 9, pp. 1184-1198, Record #4074
This study examined relationships between abuse, coping, and psychological health among 143 women who had experienced abuse in adult relationships.
Responding to the individual trauma of domestic violence: challenges for mental health professionals
Humphreys C 2009, 'Responding to the individual trauma of domestic violence: challenges for mental health professionals', Social Work in Mental Health, vol. 7, no. 1-3, pp. 186 - 203, Record #4772
This paper discusses the challenges mental health professionals in the United Kingdom face when responding to the mental health issues of women who have experienced domestic violence.
Seeking psychosocial care after interpersonal violence: an integrative model
Schreiber V, Renneberg B & Maercker A 2009, ‘Seeking psychosocial care after interpersonal violence: an integrative model’, Violence and Victims, Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 322-336, Record #4684
Many people experience a traumatic event at least once in their lifetime. But only a fraction of those traumatized and in need of mental health care receive psychosocial care or treatment.
Trauma symptoms among infants exposed to intimate partner violence
Bogat GA, DeJonghe E, Levendosky AA, Davidson WS, von Eye, A 2006, 'Trauma symptoms among infants exposed to intimate partner violence', Child Abuse & Neglect, vol. 30, pp. 109-125, Record #3720
This US article presents the findings of a study on trauma symptoms among infants exposed to intimate partner violence.
Unemployment among women: examining the relationship of physical and psychological intimate partner violence and posttraumatic stress disorder
Kimerling R, Alvarez J, Pavao J, Mack KP, Smith MW & Baumrind N 2009, ‘Unemployment among women: examining the relationship of physical and psychological intimate partner violence and posttraumatic stress disorder, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 450-463, Record #4460
This study assesses the broader relationship between intimate partner violence and women's workforce participation in a population-based sample of 6,698 California women. The researchers examined past-year intimate partner violence by analysing specific effects of physical violence, psychological violence, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms as predictors of unemployment.
When crises collide: how intimate partner violence and poverty intersect to shape women’s mental health and coping?
Goodman LA, Smyth KF, Borges AM & Singer R 2009, ‘When crises collide: how intimate partner violence and poverty intersect to shape women’s mental health and coping?’, Trauma, Violence & Abuse, Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 306-329, Record #4699
This article describes mental health consequences for women who contend with both partner violence and poverty. It proposes that the stress, powerlessness, and social isolation at the heart of both phenomena combine to produce posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and other emotional difficulties.
Bad mother and invisible fathers': parenting in the context of domestic violence
Fish E, McKenzie M & MacDonald H 2009, Bad mother and invisible fathers’: parenting in the context of domestic violence, Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre, Brunswick, Victoria, Record #4743
This Australian discussion paper explores the way that violent men, as part of their abuse, attack women’s parenting.
Does it make any difference if she is a mother?: An interactional perspective on intimate partner violence with a focus on motherhood and pregnancy
Vatnar SKB & Bjørkly S 2010, ‘Does it make any difference if she is a mother?: An interactional perspective on intimate partner violence with a focus on motherhood and pregnancy’, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol. 25, No. 1, pp. 94-110. Record #4776
The authors report on the impact of motherhood and pregnancy on interactional aspects of intimate partner violence among help-seeking women.
Domestic violence against women in their childbearing years: a review of the literature
O’Reilly R 2007, ‘Domestic violence against women in their childbearing years: a review of the literature’, Contemporary Nurse, vol. 25, no. 1-2, pp. 199-208, Record #4041
This Australian literature review examines the prevalence and impacts of domestic violence on women during their childbearing years and the efficacy of health care responses.
Effects of intimate partner violence on pregnancy trauma and placental abruption
Leone JM, Lane SD, Koumans EH, DeMott K, Wojtowycz MA, Jensen J & Aubry RH 2010, ‘Effects of intimate partner violence on pregnancy trauma and placental abruption’, Journal of Women's Health, Vol. 19, No. 8, pp. 1501-1509, Record #4991
Intimate partner violence during pregnancy raises the risk of pregnancy complications and unfavourable birth outcomes. In this study, US researchers reviewed the prenatal and hospital obstetric charts for 2873 women who gave birth between January 2000 and March 2002 in a north-eastern city in the US.
The hidden experience of violence during pregnancy: a study of 400 pregnant Australian women
Walsh D 2008, ‘The hidden experience of violence during pregnancy: a study of 400 pregnant Australian women', Australian Journal of Primary Health, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 97-105, Record #3433
This Australian article reports on the results of research into violence experienced by women from a diverse range of backgrounds during pregnancy, undertaken at the Melbourne Royal Women’s Hospital Antenatal Clinic.
Interpersonal violence and adolescent pregnancy: prevalence and implications for practice and policy
Leiderman S & Almo C 2006, Interpersonal violence and adolescent pregnancy: prevalence and implications for practice and policy, Centre for Assessment and Policy Development, Conshohocken, PA, Record #4142
This US briefing paper, which was prepared for practitioners, policy makers and advocates, outlines the implications for practice, programs and intervention of an increased knowledge and understanding of the links between interpersonal violence and adolescent pregnancy based on a literature review and interviews with experts.
Intimate partner violence during pregnancy: latest research about the serious health consequences for pregnant women and their unborn children
Guggisberg M 2006, Intimate partner violence during pregnancy: latest research about the serious health consequences for pregnant women and their unborn children, Perth, Record #3802
This Western Australian paper reviews and analyses the latest international research on the consequences of intimate partner violence to pregnant women and their unborn children.
Perinatal status and help-seeking for intimate partner violence
Kothari CL, Cerulli C, Marcus S & Rhodes KV 2009, ‘Perinatal status and help-seeking for intimate partner violence’, Journal of Women's Health, Vol. 18, No. 10, pp. 1639-1946, Record #5017
This US research team investigated the relationship between perinatal status and help seeking of abused women using a retrospective study of 964 women from a county in southwest Michigan who had been the victims of intimate partner violence in 2000.
Pink or blue ... black and blue? Examining pregnancy as a predictor of intimate partner violence and femicide
Taylor R & Nabors EL 2009, ‘Pink or blue ... black and blue? Examining pregnancy as a predictor of intimate partner violence and femicide’, Violence Against Women, Vol. 15, No. 11, pp. 1273-1293, Record #4764
This US study explores the effect of pregnancy on women’s risk of intimate partner violence victimisation. It includes analysis of the effect of pregnancy on three statuses of intimate partner violence: no abuse, nonlethal abuse, and lethal abuse.
Violence against women by their intimate partner during pregnancy and postnatal depression: a prospective cohort study
Ludermir AB, Lewis G, Valongueiro SA, Barreto de Araújo TV & Araya R 2010, ‘Violence against women by their intimate partner during pregnancy and postnatal depression: a prospective cohort study’, The Lancet, Vol. 376, No. 9744, pp. 903-910, Record #5124
This article presents the findings of a prospective cohort study carried out in Brazil between July 2005 and December 2006 when 1133 pregnant women attending a primary health-care clinic were interviewed during pregnancy and after delivery. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between postnatal depression and physical, psychological and sexual violence against pregnant women perpetrated by an intimate partner.
Changing the way the health care system responds to intimate partner violence: domestic violence screening in medical and mental health care settings: overcoming barriers to screening, identifying and helping partner violence victims
Hamberger LK & Phelan MB 2006, ‘Changing the way the health care system responds to intimate partner violence: domestic violence screening in medical and mental health care settings: overcoming barriers to screening, identifying and helping partner violence victims’, Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma, vol. 13, no. 3/4, pp. 62-102, Record #3932
This article reviews research that evaluates physician, patient, and systems barriers to providing care to patients experiencing domestic violence, as well as gaps in the current research and suggestions for how these barriers might be overcome.
Detection of intimate partner violence in a general medicine practice
Soglin LF, Bauchat J, Soglin DF & Martin GJ 2009, ‘Detection of intimate partner violence in a general medicine practice’, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 338-348, Record #4481
In this study, an assessment phase is undertaken to determine intimate partner violence prevalence. An anonymous survey is followed by a chart review documenting identification of intimate partner violence.
Domestic violence screening: findings of a pilot project conducted by allied health staff in community health
Howard J 2008, ‘Domestic violence screening: findings of a pilot project conducted by allied health staff in community health’, Australian Journal of Primary Health, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 43-31, Record #4345
This Australian article examines the efficacy of a pilot project that introduced screening for domestic violence into an allied health team at a community health service.
The elusive search for definitive evidence on routine screening for intimate partner violence
Spangaro, J, Zwi, AB, Poulos, R 2008, 'The elusive search for definitive evidence on routine screening for intimate partner violence', Trauma, Violence & Abuse, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 55-68, Record #4453
This Australian article examines the literature to assess the evidence warranting routine screening for intimate partner violence.
Evaluation of a domestic violence intervention in the maternity and sexual health services of a UK hospital
Bacchus LJ, Bewley S, Vitolas CT, Aston G, Jordan P, Murray SF 2010, ‘Evaluation of a domestic violence intervention in the maternity and sexual health services of a UK hospital’, Reproductive Health Matters, Vol. 18, No. 36, pp. 147-157, Record #5129
This article reports the findings from a two-year evaluation of a domestic violence intervention in the maternity and sexual health services of a hospital in the UK.
Intimate partner violence and continuation in a primary care screening program
Coker, AL Flerx, VC, Smith, PH, Whitaker, DJ, Fadden, MK, Williams, M 2007, 'Intimate partner violence and continuation in a primary care screening program', American Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 165, no. 7, pp. 821-827, Record #3965
This paper presents the results of a longitudinal estimate of the incidence and continuation of intimate partner violence (IPV) in a sample of 657 women currently in an intimate relationship, who were receiving primary health care in rural South Carolina USA.
Six months after routine screening for intimate partner violence: attitude change, useful and adverse effects
Spangaro JM, Zwi AB, Poulos RG & Man WYN 2010,’ Six months after routine screening for intimate partner violence: attitude change, useful and adverse effects’, Women & Health, Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 125 – 143, Record #4939
Between 2001 and 2004, routine screening for intimate partner violence was implemented in all public health services in New South Wales, Australia. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of the routine screening, by assessing changes in women’s attitudes to and reports of domestic violence, six months after being screened; as well as their perceptions of the benefits and adverse effects of being screened.
Three year health outcomes among older women at risk of elder abuse: Women’s Health Australia
Schofield MJ & Mishra GD 2004, ‘Three year health outcomes among older women at risk of elder abuse: Women’s Health Australia’, Quality of Life Research, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 1043-1052, Record #2951
This Australian report presents the methodology and results of a study aimed at testing the effectiveness of the ‘Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale’ (VASS) in predicting health outcomes amongst women at risk of elder abuse.
Understanding turning points in intimate partner violence: factors and circumstances leading women victims toward change
Chang JC, Dado D, Hawker L, Cluss PA, Buranosky R, Slagel L, McNeil M, Scholle SH 2010, ‘Understanding turning points in intimate partner violence: factors and circumstances leading women victims toward change’, Journal of Women's Health, Vol. 19, No. 2, pp. 251-259, Record #4885
In this US study, researchers conducted interviews and focus groups with women experiencing intimate partner violence to examine the factors and situations associated with turning points for women to change their situation or to view it in a new light.
We’ve had the training, now what? Qualitative analysis of barriers to domestic violence screening and referral in a health care setting
Minsky-Kelly D, Hamberger LK, Pape DA et al. 2005, ‘We’ve had the training, now what? Qualitative analysis of barriers to domestic violence screening and referral in a health care setting’, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 20, no. 10, pp. 1288-1309, Record #3387
This article presents the findings of a US study examining barriers to the identification and referral of domestic violence victims experienced by 752 staff of a health care institution after participating in a 3-hour domestic violence training program.
Who tells and what happens: disclosure and health service responses to screening for intimate partner violence
Spangaro JM, Zwi AB, Poulos RG & Man WYN 2010, ‘Who tells and what happens: disclosure and health service responses to screening for intimate partner violence’, Health and Social Care in the Community, Vol. 18, No. 6, pp. 671-680, Record #5070
This article describes a cross-sectional study of women who took part in a screening procedure for domestic violence. The participants were recruited from ten New South Wales health services.
Care for emergency department patients who have experienced domestic violence: a review of the evidence base
Olive P 2007, ‘Care for emergency department patients who have experienced domestic violence: a review of the evidence base’, Journal of Clinical Nursing, vol. 16, no. 9, pp. 1736-1748, Record #4250
This UK literature review examines the prevalence of domestic violence amongst emergency department patients and recommends the implementation of evidence-based care responses by emergency department staff.
Domestic violence: a complex health care issue for dentistry today
Kenney JP 2006 ‘Domestic violence: a complex health care issue for dentistry today’, Forensic Science International, vol. 159S, pp. 121-125, Record #3589
This US article outlines domestic violence related health care issues for dentists, in light of the fact that evidence of physical violence to intimate partners and the elderly can be seen in the head or neck regions.
A domestic violence course for medical students: a study on its effectiveness
Ergonen, AK, Salacin, S, Karademir, S & Musal, B 2007, 'A domestic violence course for medical students: a study on its effectiveness' , Journal of Family Violence, vol. 22, no. 6, pp. 441-447, Record #4138
This article reports on a study which sought to measure the effectiveness of the interactive domestic violence course given to Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine (DEUFM) Year V students, with tests implemented before and after the course.
Guidelines for responding to family and domestic violence
WA Women's Health Policy and Projects Unit 2007, Guidelines for responding to family and domestic violence, Women and Newborn Health Service, Subiaco, WA, Record #4532
This manual is designed for health and other professionals and workers. It provides guidelines, instructions and requirements, forms and questionnaires for both workers and victims. Comprehensive legal information is outlined and resources provided, including body maps for illustrating injuries, screening and referral templates, and safety and escape plans for victims. It also includes discussion of issues surrounding the perpetrators of family violence and addresses the needs of specific groups of people, such as Aboriginal people, those living in remote areas, older people and people with a disability.
Health’s a difficult beast: the interrelationships between domestic violence, women’s health and the health sector: an Australian case study
Fisher C, Hunt L, Adamsam R & Thurston W 2007, ‘Health’s a difficult beast: the interrelationships between domestic violence, women’s health and the health sector: an Australian case study’, Social Science & Medicine, vol. 65, pp. 1742-1750, Record #4318
This article reports on findings of a Western Australian study, indicating that the health sector’s response to domestic violence is often limited to the provision of medical treatment for victims and is marked by poor collaboration with the domestic violence sector.
Improving services for women and child victims of violence : the Department of Health Action Plan
Department of Health (UK) 2010, Improving services for women and child victims of violence : the Department of Health Action Plan, Department of Health, London, Record #5103
This document is a response to the report of the Taskforce on the Health Aspects of Violence Against Women and Children (2010) which was also produced by the Department of Health in the UK.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s health strategy
Fredericks B, Adams K, Angus S & the Australian Women’s Health Network Talking Circle 2010, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s health strategy, Australian Women’s Health Network, Melbourne, Record #4990
This strategy was produced in response to the poor health outcomes experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women.
Violence between intimate partners: working with the whole family
Hegarty K, Taft A & Feder G 2008, ‘Violence between intimate partners: working with the whole family’, British Medical Journal Clinical Review, vol. 337, pp. 346-351, Record #4476
This Australian article reviews the evidence on identification and management of intimate partner violence (IPV) in families and summarises primary care guidelines.
What do medical providers need to successfully intervene with intimate partner violence?
Sugg N 2006, ‘What do medical providers need to successfully intervene with intimate partner violence?’, Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma, vol. 13, no. 3/4, pp. 103-123, Record #3933
This article explores the tools (prevalence rates, screening questions, intervention strategies) and support (educational, institutional, professional, research) needed to assist medical providers in successfully intervening in intimate partner violence.
Why assess the health impacts of domestic violence policy? Making the case for the application of health impact assessment to domestic violence policy development
Potter J 2008, ‘Why assess the health impacts of domestic violence policy? Making the case for the application of health impact assessment to domestic violence policy development’, Just Policy: A Journal of Australian Social Policy, Vol. 47, pp. 46-52, Record #4279
In recent years, research into the issue of domestic violence has highlighted the extensive health costs of domestic violence within Australian society. Health Impact Assessment is an evidence-based approach for assessing how a specified action might impact on the health of a population (Scott-Samuel et al 1988).
Resources and training kits for health professionals
Intimate partner violence: an assessment tool for providers – PALM version
Marjava A 2005, ‘Intimate partner violence: an assessment tool for providers – PALM version’, Family Violence Prevention and Health Practice [electronic resource], vol. 1, no. 3, Record #3415
This tool for US health care professionals, which provides information on how to conduct inquiry, assessment, intervention, documentation and follow up for domestic violence, can be downloaded in two formats for use on palm-based electronic tools.
Management of the whole family when intimate partner violence is present: guidelines for primary care physicians
Victorian Community Council on Crime and Violence 2006, Management of the whole family when intimate partner violence is present: guidelines for primary care physicians, Melbourne, Record #3563
These Australian guidelines, developed as part of an international collaboration, provide 31 consensus recommendations for primary care physicians relating to the identification and management of domestic violence.
A prevention primer for domestic violence: terminology, tools and the public health approach
Chamberlain L 2008, A prevention primer for domestic violence: terminology, tools and the public health approach, VAWnet, Record #4293
This US paper provides an introduction to basic concepts of family violence prevention from a public health perspective. The public health approach is defined as one which emphasises primary prevention and working with community partners to develop a coordinated response to violence.
Responding appropriately to domestic violence [online generic resource package]
Partnerships against Domestic Violence 2004, Responding appropriately to domestic violence [online generic resource package], Department of Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Record #3246
This package, developed by the University of Tasmania’s Department of Rural Health, contains information about domestic violence, readings, activities and questions for reflection. It is intended for facilitators to use when preparing education sessions, and it is appropriate for a range of learners, including health professionals, community, higher education students, and police.
Responding to domestic abuse: a handbook for health professionals
Department of Health 2005, Responding to domestic abuse: a handbook for health professionals, British Department of Health, London, Record #4059
This handbook provides information about domestic violence and how to respond to disclosures and is aimed at both front- line health workers and management staff in the UK Department of Health.
