Intimate Partner Violence among Women and Trauma-Informed Care: An International Perspective

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to summarize the prevalence of intimate partner violence and resultant consequences on women's health and to describe an evidence-based trauma-informed care model and a gender-trauma-specific group intervention.Method: An integrative literature review of publications was identified through a comprehensive search of relevant databases (Cochrane Systematic Review, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Guidelines Clearinghouse, PubMed, CINAHL, EMbase) and other relevant databases. Articles were limited to primary clinical research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses of clinical studies published in English from 2010 to 2017.Findings: Worldwide, women are disproportionately burdened by intimate partner violence and significant preventable public health issues. Intimate violence is associated with myriad adverse health outcomes for women, including chronic pain, disability, psychological trauma, neurological injuries, physical and psychological sequelae, and infectious diseases. The World Health Organization estimated that, globally, 35% of women living in industrialized and developed countries have experienced exposure to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence. Nurses and other health providers are in key positions to respond to women's trauma associated with intimate partner violence. Evidence suggests that trauma-informed care and trauma-specific interventions such as the trauma recovery empowerment model are effective strategies to strengthen women's healing and recovery. Conclusion:Intimate partner violence is a worldwide pervasive public health problem. The prevalence rates and myriad adverse consequences on women's health require nurses and other health care providers to employ trauma-informed care and traumaspecific interventions. Additionally, policy making and future research are paramount.