Violence against women and reproductive health: toward defining a role for reproductive health care services
Parsons, L.; Goodwin, M.M.; Petersen, R.
Maternal and Child Health Journal 4(2): 135-140
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1092-7875 PMID: 10994582 DOI: 10.1023/a:1009578406219Document Number: 309355
Since a large proportion of U.S. women receive reproductive health care services each year, reproductive health care settings offer an important opportunity to reach women who may be at risk of or experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Although screening women for IPV in clinical health care settings has been endorsed by national professional associations and organizations, scientific evidence suggests that opportunities for screening in reproductive health care settings are often missed. This commentary outlines what is known about screening and intervention for IPV in clinical health care settings, and points out areas that need greater attention. The ultimate goal of these recommendations is to increase the involvement of reproductive health care services in sensitive, appropriate, and effective care for women who may be at risk of or affected by IPV.