Integrated Behavioral Health Approaches to Interpersonal Violence

Abstract

Experiencing interpersonal violence has serious consequences for short- and long-term health. This makes it imperative that behavioral health professionals incorporate trauma-informed screening, education, and intervention processes and procedures as a routine part of their day-to-day activities. In this chapter, I explore screening, assessment, and intervention strategies for two types of interpersonal violence commonly seen in integrated behavioral health settings: intimate partner violence (IPV) and community-based violence (CBV). First, data on the prevalence and health impacts of interpersonal violence across multiple populations will be provided. Second, trauma-informed approaches to universal screening, education, and support for patients in regard to IPV will be outlined. Third, programmatic components of hospital-based violence intervention programs will be reviewed, and the importance of these programs as integrated behavioral health practices designed to reduce morbidity and mortality will be discussed.