Adolescent Relationship Abuse: How to Identify and Assist At-Risk Youth in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Adolescent relationship abuse is common among adolescents seeking care in the emergency department (ED). Adolescent relationship abuse is a health issue; adolescents experiencing relationship abuse are at increased risk for multiple, severe short- and long-term consequences. Adolescents endorse providers screening for adolescent relationship abuse. Although universal screening of all adolescents regarding adolescent relationship abuse is ideal, targeted screening for highest-risk teens may be the most practical. The ED provides medical care to many high-risk youth without any source of primary care, thus making the ED an ideal site for adolescent relationship abuse screening and interventions. Limited research suggests that emergency department–based interventions may be an effective means to address adolescent relationship abuse. Additional studies are necessary to further develop and promote adolescent relationship abuse interventions in the ED.