Socioecological Model for Health Care Systems to Address Intimate Partner Violence, Human Trafficking, and Sexual Assault

Abstract

Health care systems are uniquely positioned to go beyond provision of clinical care for victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), human trafficking (HT), and sexual assault (SA) by interrupting the cycle of violence. Using a trauma-informed approach to patient care, educating staff at every level of the organization to recognize risk factors, and maintaining effective community partnerships can help individuals affected by violence extricate themselves from dangerous domestic situations. Health care systems can also advocate for policies to fund community-based violence-prevention programming as well as remuneration for crime victims.