Intimate Partner Violence Group Research Articles

"It Was one of the Most Revealing Experiences of My Life:" Women's Views on Group Counseling for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence.

Groups are a common clinical intervention for women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). This secondary mixed-methods analysis from a study of 567 Canadian women from the prairie provinces compared the mental health and well-being of 131 women who had attended a IPV group to 436 women who had not attended any group. Qualitatively, perspectives from 131 women (113 comments; 18 interviews) who attended some form of group treatment were analyzed. Of the 199 coded comments about the IPV groups, most were positive (157 or 78.9%), while the remaining 21.1% (42) reflected concerns or suggested changes. Clinical implications are provided.

Identifying Pregnant Patients With Suspected Intimate Partner Violence.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the leading cause of death in pregnant women. Although it can be difficult to identify patients experiencing IPV, injuries to the head, neck, or face due to an assault are known to correlate with intentional injury. The objective of this study is to assess the contemporary burden of IPV in pregnancy and describe the patient characteristics. The National Inpatient Sample was queried for all pregnant women between January 2016 and December 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: suspected IPV (SIPV) and no-SIPV groups. We defined SIPV as any pregnant patient with an identified head, neck, or face injuries categorized as intentional assault. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between SIPV and variables of interest. A total of 28,540 pregnant patients presented with traumatic injuries with 530 (.02%) identified as SIPV. Suspected IPV patients were younger (25 vs 27 years, P = .012), more likely to be of Black race (46% vs 28%, P = .002), more likely to be in the lowest income quartile (51% vs 38%, P = .031), less likely to have private insurance (12% vs 34%, P < .001), and have higher rates of substance use disorder (35% vs 18%, P < .001). Black race and history of substance use disorder were associated with increased odds of SIPV-related injuries (odds ratio [OR]: 2.01, interquartile range [IQR]: 1.27-3.16, P = .003 and OR: 2.30, IQR 1.54-3.43, P < .001, respectively). Our results suggest that there are significant racial and socioeconomic disparities in potential risk for IPV during pregnancy.

Characterizing the Influence of Exposure to Military Sexual Trauma and Intimate Partner Violence on Mental Health Outcomes among Female Veterans.

Military sexual trauma (MST) has deleterious long-term psychological consequences. Among female U.S. military members, MST is associated with increased risk for future interpersonal victimization, such as experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Few studies have investigated the implications of the cumulative effects of IPV and MST on psychological functioning. This study examined rates of co-exposure to MST, IPV, and their cumulative impact on psychological symptoms. Data were collected from 308 female Veterans (FVets; age: M = 42, SD = 10.4) enrolled in an inpatient trauma-focused treatment program in a Veterans Administration (VA) hospital. Data were collected at program admission on symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and current suicidal ideation. Lifetime trauma exposure was assessed using semi-structured interviews that identified adverse childhood events (ACEs) and combat theater deployment as well as MST and IPV. Group differences on psychological symptoms were examined among those exposed to MST, IPV, MST + IPV, and compared to FVets with ACEs or combat exposure, but no other adulthood interpersonal trauma (NAIT). Half of the sample (51%) reported experiencing both MST and IPV, approximately 29% reported MST, 10% reported IPV, and 10% reported NAIT. FVets in the MST + IPV group had worse PTSD and depression symptoms than either the MST or IPV groups. The NAIT group had the lowest scores on these measures. There were no group differences in current suicidal ideation; however, 53.5% reported at least one previous suicide attempt. FVets in this sample reported significant lifetime exposure to MST and IPV, with the majority having experienced MST + IPV. Exposure to MST + IPV was associated with greater PTSD and depression symptom severity, yet an overwhelming proportion reported current and past suicidal ideation regardless of trauma exposure history. These results demonstrate the importance of assessing for lifetime interpersonal trauma history when developing and providing mental and medical health interventions for FVets.

Analysis of EEG and ECG in women with intimate partner violence experience during an emotional task

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has been associated with cognitive, emotional, physical and physiological alterations, and with the presence of anxiety disorders. There is not enough research on this problem from an interdisciplinary approach despite the above. Therefore, this research compared the emotion perception and electrophysiological responses, elicited by an emotional task, in women who had experienced IPV and women who had not (WIPV). Forty-five participants (22 with and 23 without IPV experience) were presented with nine images from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) database and performed a self-report using the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM). In parallel, electrophysiological signals (ECG and EEG) were acquired, for the analysis of emotional response. In the between-group analysis, the IPV group showed lower perceived dominance and greater central asymmetry in the alpha band than the WIPV group; additionally, the IPV group exhibited a significant positive correlation between the valence of the images and the alpha band power in central areas. In the within-group analysis, the WIPV group showed greater activation in the alpha band and alpha/beta ratio in frontal areas during the emotional elicitation, as compared to baseline. Furthermore, the ECG analysis showed that, for the IPV group, there was a decrease in the power of the high-frequency (HF) band and an increase in the power of the very-low-frequency (VLF) band of heart rate variability (HRV) during the elicitation stage. It is hypothesized that the IPV group could present higher stress levels and greater physiological activity during emotional stimuli than the WIPV group. Possible changes in emotional regulation and anxiety levels due to IPV experiences are discussed.

Relationship Health and Intimate Partner Violence in Integrated Primary Care: Individual Characteristics and Preferences for Relationship Support across Risk Levels.

This study explores differences in characteristics and relationship treatment preferences across different levels of intimate partner violence (IPV) among Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care patients. In Fall 2019, we sent a mail-in survey assessing relationship healthcare needs to N = 299 Veterans randomly sampled from 20 northeastern VA primary care clinics (oversampling female and younger Veterans). We compared those reporting past year use or experience of physical/sexual aggression, threats/coercion, or injury (Severe IPV; 21%), to those only reporting yelling and screaming (Verbal Conflict; 51%), and denying any IPV (No IPV; 28%). Participants across groups desired 2-6 sessions of face-to-face support for couples' health and communication. No IPV participants were older and had preferred treatment in primary care. The Verbal Conflict and Severe IPV groups were both flagged by IPV screens and had similar interest in couple treatment and relationship evaluation. The Severe IPV group had higher rates of harms (e.g., depression, alcohol use disorder, relationship dissatisfaction, fear of partner) and higher interest in addressing safety outside of VA. Exploratory analyses suggested differences based on use vs. experience of Severe IPV. Findings highlight ways integrated primary care teams can differentiate services to address dissatisfaction and conflict while facilitating referrals for Severe IPV.

Prospective mental health effects of intimate partner stalking among women veterans.

Women veterans are disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence (IPV). Within the civilian literature, intimate partner stalking (IPS) is a common, uniquely deleterious form of IPV; the present study seeks to prospectively examine the psychological effects of IPS among women veterans. Women veterans (n = 266) were recruited using the KnowledgePanel, a probability-based survey panel; participants completed surveys at time 1 (T1) and at time 2 (T2) follow-up 18 months later. Women responded to questionnaires assessing IPV and IPS experiences, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. At T1, 54.5% of women reported lifetime IPV, of whom 64.1% reported IPS; at T2, 49.2% reported past-year IPV, of whom 7.6% experienced past-year IPS. Bivariately, women in the T1 IPS group reported higher T2 PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms than the T1 IPV only and no IPV groups. In a multivariate model, there remained indirect effects of T1 IPS on T2 PTSD symptoms, when other forms of violence (i.e., T1 and T2 IPV, MST, IPS) were controlled. When added to models including other forms of IPV, women who experienced IPS reported increased risk for PTSD symptoms, which predicted heightened PTSD symptoms over time. Providers treating women veterans should assess for experiences of IPS as an additional form of IPV and address PTSD to prevent the development of subsequent comorbid psychopathology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring the relationship between mental health and neuropsychological functioning in female survivors of IPV

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) refers to a series of physical, psychological, and/or sexual abuses exercised over another individual during an intimate relationship. Several mental health difficulties have been reported related to IPV, and recently neuropsychological alterations have been also described in this population. This study has three aims: first, to explore the existence of mental health-based groups in women with and without a history of IPV; second, to establish whether belonging to the IPV group is related to having a poorer mental health and finally, to establish if women with mental health has a lower neuropsychological functioning. Fourteen female survivors of physical and psychological IPV, and 14 matched control women (CG) were assessed for their mental health and neuropsychological functions. A mental health protocol was used to evaluate the variables of anxiety, depression, and perception of stress. In addition, a protocol of neuropsychological tests evaluated alternating attention, long-term memory, abstract thinking, learning, and interference control. Results showed that (1) participants were grouped into two clusters: better mental health and poorer mental health. The main grouping variable was anxiety. (2) Women with a history of IPV had poorer mental health, and (3) women with poorer mental health had lower attentional ability, long-term memory, abstract thinking and working memory. These findings show the importance of assessing anxiety, which is one of the predictors of mental health problems in victims of IPV. Furthermore, it is important to protocolize a form of assessment including neuropsychological variables.

The Role of Complex Trauma and Attachment Patterns in Intimate Partner Violence.

ObjectiveEven if the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and intimate partner violence (IPV) has already been established, there are no sufficient studies examining the relationships between these factors and attachment representations, specifically attachment disorganization. Thus, this study aimed to explore, in a sample of women who experienced IPV (a) the presence of interpersonal adversities during childhood, and (b) attachment representations, with a particular focus on disorganization.MethodsWomen’s representations of attachment experiences were investigated through the Adult Attachment Interview, while the presence of various forms of interpersonal adversities during childhood was assessed using the Complex Trauma Questionnaire. The results of the IPV group (n = 98) were compared with those of women with no history of IPV (control group, n = 81).ResultsWomen in the IPV group showed higher values of multiple forms of adverse experiences within their caregiving system. They presented significantly higher rates of disorganized states of mind regarding attachment, indicative of a lack of resolution regarding traumatic experiences, and of disorganized working models resulting from complex trauma. Our results highlighted that, more than the presence of traumatic experiences, it is their irresolution – reflected in the disorganized states of mind regarding attachment at the Adult Attachment Interview – to be a significant predictor of IPV.ConclusionThese results suggest underline the significance of offering a trauma- and attachment-informed therapy to those who experience IPV. Such results could help both clinicians and researchers in formulating clearer guidelines for IPV interventions.

Epidemiology and 6- and 12-Month Outcomes of Intimate Partner Violence and Other Violence-Related Traumatic Brain Injury in Major Trauma: A Population-Based Trauma Registry Study.

To compare the epidemiology, in-hospital outcomes, and 6-month and 12-month patient-reported, outcomes of major trauma patients with intimate partner violence (IPV)-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) with other interpersonal violence (OV)-related TBI. Victoria, Australia. Adult (≥18 years) major trauma cases with TBI (concussion, skull fracture, or intracranial injury), injured through IPV or OV, between July 2010 and June 2020, and included on the population-based Victorian State Trauma Registry. There were 133 adult major trauma cases due to IPV and 1796 due to OV. The prevalence of TBI was 39% (n = 52) in the IPV group and 56% (n = 1010) in the OV group. Registry-based cohort study. Trauma care indicators and 6- and 12-month patient-reported outcomes (self-reported disability, Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended, EQ-5D-3L, and return to work). The annual incidence (95% CI) of major trauma involving TBI was 0.11 (0.08-0.14) per 100 000 population for IPV and 2.11 (1.98-2.24) per 100 000 for OV. A higher proportion of IPV-related cases were women (73% vs 5%), had sustained a severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score 3-8; 27% vs 15%), were admitted to intensive care (56% vs 37%), and died in hospital (14% vs 5%). The median (interquartile range) time to definitive care (4.7 hours vs 3.3 hours) and head computed tomographic scan (5.0 hours vs 3.1 hours) was longer in the IPV group. Follow-up rates at 6 and 12 months were 71% and 69%, respectively. The 6- and 12-month outcomes were generally poorer in the IPV-related group. The incidence of IPV-related major trauma with TBI was low. However, the prevalence of severe TBI, the time to key aspects of clinical care, in-hospital mortality, and longer-term work-related disability were higher. However, power to detect differences was low due to the small number of IPV-related cases compared with the OV group.

Factors Distinguishing Reciprocal Versus Nonreciprocal Intimate Partner Violence Across Time and Reporter.

Although intimate partner violence (IPV) is often conceptualized as occurring unilaterally, reciprocal or bidirectional violence is actually the most prevalent form of IPV. The current study assessed physical IPV experiences in couples and evaluated risk and protective factors that may be differentially associated with reciprocal and nonreciprocal IPV concurrently and over time. As part of a multi-wave longitudinal study, women and men reported on the frequency of their IPV perpetration and victimization three times across the transition to parenthood. Participants also reported on risk factors related to personal adjustment, psychosocial resources, attitudes toward gender role egalitarianism, and sociodemographic characteristics at each wave. Participants were classified into one of four IPV groups (reciprocal violence, male perpetrators only, female perpetrators only, and no violence) based on their self-report and based on a combined report, which incorporated both partners' reports of IPV for a maximum estimate of violence. Women and men were analyzed separately, as both can be perpetrators and/or victims of IPV. Cross-sectional analyses using self-reported IPV data indicated that IPV groups were most consistently distinguished by their levels of couple satisfaction, across gender; psychological distress also appeared to differentiate IPV groups, although somewhat less consistently. When combined reports of IPV were used, sociodemographic risk markers (i.e., age, income, and education) in addition to couple functioning were among the most robust factors differentiating IPV groups concurrently, across gender. In longitudinal analyses, sociodemographic vulnerabilities were again among the most consistent factors differentiating subsequent IPV groups over time. Several gender differences were also found, suggesting that different risk factors (e.g., women's social support and men's emotion regulation abilities) may need to be targeted in interventions to identify, prevent, and treat IPV among women and men.

A cross sectional hospital-based study of intimate partner violence and psychiatric comorbidity in pregnancy

Aim of the studyTo assess Intimate partner violence and psychiatric co-morbidities in pregnant women.Subject or material and methodsHundred and twenty consecutive patients who were pregnant attending the Ante natal clinic between 18-45 years were included in study. They were administered a semi structured proforma to collect socio demographic details, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) was assessed by WHO violence against women instrument. Psychiatric diagnosis was made according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 criteria (DSM-5), anxiety was assessed using Hamilton Anxiety Rating scale (HAM-A), depression was assessed using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D).ResultsAbout 15% of the patients had psychiatric comorbidities and 35% of the patients had history of intimate partner violence. Eighteen (42.85%) of the 42 had psychological violence and 24(57.15%) had physical sexual violence. When we compared the females, who did not have IPV (group 1) and who had IPV (group 2)- suicidal ideas, MTPs more than one, stress, depressive disorder and anxiety disorder was more in group 2 and this difference was statistically significant. Substance abuse was observed more in group 2 spouses than group 1 spouses and was statistically significant.DiscussionIPV and psychiatric morbidity has been observed significantly during pregnancy and antenatal care presents a unique opportunity in which health care providers can foster trusting relationships with pregnant women, thereby increasing the likelihood of IPV detection and mitigating its related negative consequences to both mother and child.ConclusionsA significant number of pregnant women reported IPV. This emphasizes the importance of screening for IPV in these women.

Recidivism risk and criminogenic needs of individuals who perpetrated intimate partner sexual violence offenses

Despite the common occurrence of sexual violence in intimate partner violence (IPV) and its association with increased risk of intimate partner homicide, intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) is often overlooked in the literature. As a result, little is known about risk factors that may be unique to IPSV perpetrators. The present study utilizes a police-reported sample to compare the risk/need profiles of 36 IPSV and 36 IPV perpetrators by creating theoretically meaningful risk composites as proxies for a number of the central eight risk/need areas posited by Andrews and Bonta (2010, https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018362). Results indicate that the risk/need profiles of the IPSV group are more severe than the IPV group, with higher scores in measures of substance abuse, relationship instability, sexual aggression, and mental health concerns. Potential implications for IPSV assessment and intervention at the level of policing and correctional programming are discussed, including the need for higher intensity treatments and the treatment of non-criminogenic needs.

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Intimate Partner Violence: Directionality of Violence and Motives for Self-Injury.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization. However, extant research has not distinguished between unidirectional and bidirectional IPV and has not examined relationships between IPV and functions of self-injury. This study of 1,018 university students revealed a significantly higher prevalence of NSSI among those who reported bidirectional IPV compared with nonviolent individuals. However, rates of NSSI in the unidirectional IPV groups are more similar to rates of NSSI in the bidirectional group than in nonviolent individuals. Individuals who engaged in bidirectional IPV were more likely to endorse interpersonal functions of self-injury than those who engaged in unidirectional IPV or no IPV. In contrast, intrapersonal functions of NSSI were not associated with IPV. Findings suggest that the association between IPV and NSSI may be best understood in the context of relationship conflict, rather than as a distinct correlate of either IPV victimization or IPV perpetration.

Online Social Support for Intimate Partner Violence Victims in China: Quantitative and Automatic Content Analysis.

To examine the nature and content of messages presented in a popular Chinese online community about intimate partner violence (IPV), this study utilized a two-step analytic approach that combined quantitative content analysis and automatic content analysis. We collected 90,040 messages from the online community's IPV group. Study 1 analyzed 8,343 randomly selected messages. The findings suggest that social support is commonly presented, while only a few messages expressed blame toward the victims. Study 2 analyzed the whole sample via machine learning technique and further showed that this online community was a space for the victims to obtain informational resources and emotional encouragement.

Married very young adolescent girls in Niger at greatest risk of lifetime male partner reproductive coercion and sexual violence.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this analysis was to compare and contrast reproductive health (RH), gender equity attitudes, and intimate partner violence (IPV) among married very young adolescent (VYA) girls with married older adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in rural Niger given limited literature on the topic.MethodsWe conducted an exploratory analysis of baseline data from the Reaching Married Adolescents Trial in Dosso region, Niger. We report counts and percents, by age group (13–14 years (VYA), 15–16 years, 17–19 years), of AGYW’s self-efficacy to use family planning (FP), accurate knowledge of FP, current use of modern FP, and unintended last pregnancy (UIP); lifetime reproductive coercion (RC), physical IPV, and sexual IPV; and gender equity attitudes. We also assess whether percents differ between VYA and older groups using Pearson’s Chi-Square and Fisher’s exact p-values. Results are stratified by parity. Finally, we use logistic regression to consider associations.ResultsThere were 49 VYA, 248 girls aged 15–16, and 775 AGYW aged 17–19 in our sample (n = 1072). Accurate knowledge of FP, self-efficacy to use FP, current use of modern FP, and UIP increased with age; all percents between VYA and AGYW 17–19 were marginally or statistically significantly different. We also saw VYA report higher lifetime RC and sexual IPV versus older groups, with sexual IPV statistically different between VYA and girls 17–19. Parous VYA reported a significantly higher percent of lifetime RC versus older AGYW. Among 17–19 year-olds, odds of current use of FP were higher among AGYW who reported physical IPV, and odds of UIP were higher among those reporting more gender equitable attitudes, both adjusted for parity.ConclusionsWe observed differences in RH, RC, and sexual IPV among married VYA and older AGYW in rural Niger. VYA should be prioritized in research to confirm and further understand their RH needs.

Depression, PTSD and alexithymia in victims of intimate partner violence: a case-control study

Abstract Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) regards millions of women worldwide and can lead to serious psychopathological consequences. Objective We aimed to evaluate differences between a group of abused women and controls, and potential predictors of depression and PTSD in the IPV group. Methods We recruited 57 women who experienced IPV and 57 age-matched controls from the general population. After collecting socio-demographic characteristics, we administered the following scales: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and Revised-Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2). Results Our results showed differences between women who experienced IPV and controls in the socio-economic status, employment and educational levels, childhood abuse and early terminations of pregnancy. Notably, the rates of depression, PTSD, and alexithymia were significantly different between the two groups. Linear regression models revealed that sexual coercion was an independent positive predictor of depressive symptoms, while alexithymia played a role in the development of PTSD in the group of abused women. Discussion Given the prevalence of depression and PTSD in victims of IPV, it is important to always investigate for IPV in women seeking for help in mental health services. Alexithymia in victims of IPV deserves to be further investigated by researchers.

Longitudinal inconsistency in responses to survey items that ask women about intimate partner violence

BackgroundLongitudinal research has demonstrated that experiences of abuse and adversity are not consistently reported over time; however, there is a paucity of available evidence regarding the consistency of reporting experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) over time. This study aimed to investigate the consistency of self-reported IPV involving a partner or spouse. Differences in the health status of women according to consistency of IPV reporting was also investigated.MethodsSurvey data collected from the 1946–51 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) between 1996 and 2016 were used (n = 13,715). Consistency of self-reported IPV was evaluated by responses to the question “Have you ever been in a violent relationship with a partner/spouse?” Demographic and health characteristics of consistent and inconsistent reporters of IPV were compared. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the strength of the association between demographic and health characteristics of the women and their consistency of longitudinal reporting of IPV.ResultsThere were 10,966 women who answered IPV questions over six surveys, with 9610 women (87.6%) providing consistent responses. Inconsistent responses were provided by 1356 women (12.4%), of whom 258 (2.4%) reported IPV at all but one survey (Mainly IPV), 587 (5.3%) reported no IPV at all but one survey (Mainly no IPV), and 511 (4.7%) reported Mixed IPV responses over time. Women in the Mainly IPV group, and those in the Mixed IPV group were similar to those in the Consistent IPV group in demographic and health characteristics, whereas women in the Mainly no IPV group were similar to those in the Consistent never IPV group.ConclusionsIPV data collected at one time point may involve around 12% false negative or false positive responses. To increase reliability, IPV should be measured on more than one occasion, using different techniques and methods that account for intentional and unintentional over- and under-reporting.

Correlates of Persistent Victimization by Romantic Partners: A Short-Term Prospective Study.

There has been limited prospective investigation of correlates of persistent (repeated within and across relationships) physical intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization compared to episodic (not repeated within or across relationships) IPV in young adulthood. The primary aim of the current study was to examine prior victimization, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, psychological IPV (emotional abuse and threats), and remaining with the same partner, as unique correlates of persistent physical IPV during a 6-month period. Female undergraduates who completed baseline and follow-up assessments (n = 254) were classified into victimization groups according to their self-report of physical IPV: no physical IPV (65.0%), persistent IPV (at baseline and follow-up [11.0%]), and episodic IPV (at follow-up [9.8%] or baseline only [14.2%]). Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that the number of prior victimizations, PTSD hyperarousal symptoms, psychological IPV at baseline, and remaining with the same partner at follow-up significantly discriminated the IPV groups. The likelihood of membership in the persistent physical IPV group was associated with all variables. Episodic physical IPV at baseline only was associated with fewer childhood victimizations and being in a new relationship at follow-up. Results highlight assessment and intervention approaches that may assist females experiencing both persistent and episodic physical IPV.

Radiologic Findings in Intimate Partner Violence.

Purpose To assess the radiologic findings associated with intimate partner violence (IPV). Materials and Methods Electronic medical records of 185 patients referred to the IPV support program from the emergency department (ED) between January 2015 and October 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and compared with an age- and sex-matched control group of 555 subjects (1:3 ratio of IPV victims to control subjects) who presented to the ED. Reports of all imaging studies performed within 5 years prior to the index ED visit were reviewed. Results The majority of patients who experienced IPV (mean age, 34.2 years ± 12.2 [standard deviation]) were female (178 of 185 [96.2%]) and were largely African American (69 of 185 [37.3%]). Demographic and clinical variables independently associated with IPV were race (odds ratio [OR] range, 3.2-5.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8, 12.7), psychiatric comorbidities (OR, 5.4; 95% CI: 3.4, 8.8), and homelessness (OR, 13.0; 95% CI: 5.4, 31.2). IPV victims underwent more imaging studies in the preceding 5 years (median, four studies) than did control subjects (median, one study). Obstetric-gynecologic findings (OR, 4.4; 95% CI: 2.1, 9.6) and acute fractures (OR, 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.3) seen on images were independently associated with IPV. The addition of imaging findings to demographic and clinical variables increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the multivariate model to detect IPV (0.87 vs 0.86, P < .01), and the cross-validated multivariate model had an AUC of 0.85. Acute fractures involved the face or skull (range, P < .01 to P = .05), and chronic fractures affected the extremities and nasal bone (P < .01 and P = .05, respectively) more frequently in the IPV group than in the control group. Conclusion Intimate partner violence victims undergo more imaging studies and have a higher frequency of potential violence-related imaging findings when compared with age- and sex-matched control subjects. © RSNA, 2019 See also the editorial by Flores and Narayan in this issue.

The association between conative functioning of adolescents exposed to intimate partner violence and family dimensions of cohesion and adaptibility

B?ckground/Aim. Childhood exposure to various types of emotional, physical and sexual abuse in intimate partner violence (IPV) families is associated with difficulties in emotional and social adjustment, including conduct problems, internalized and externalized symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between intimate partner violence and: family system functioning (cohesion and adaptability), conative functioning of adolescents and risk of psychopathological symptomatology development. The specific aim of this study was to establish the mental hygiene and preventive measures in order to reduce the negative consequences of growing up in the IPV families. Methods. The study was done on a sample of 308 adolescents, aged 15?18 years, divided into the IPV group (n = 68 adolescents growing up in families with the IPV and exposed to IPV in which the violence was reported and processed), and the control group (n = 240 adolescents coming from families in which there was not found any type of violence or psychosocial pathology on the basis of the results obtained on the Conners' Parent Rating Scale?Revised (CPRS-R) Questionnaire. The Faces III scale of measurement was used for measuring the dimensions of family functioning, and Cybernetic model of conative dimensions of personality (CON-6) for conative functioning of adolescents. The data was processed by using the discriminate and linear regressive analysis. Results. The adolescents growing up in the families with the IPV and exposed to IPV showed the statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.01) in conative functioning: psychosomatic ? = -.509, anxiety ? = -.393, aggressive ? = -.398, dissociative ? = -.509 and adaptive personality reactions ? = -.455, as compared to the control group. There was 32.35% of adolescents exposed to IPV who showed the pronounced pathological values regarding social-adaption reaction, 23.53% regarding pathological anxiety and 23.53% dissociative reactions. The greatest negative relationship was found between intimate partner violence and family dimension of cohesion (? = -0.605, p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion. Adolescents growing up and being exposed to the intimate partner violence were significantly associated with changes in the conative functioning and risk of externalized and internalized symptoms development in socially-adaptive, anxiety and dissociative reactions and the need to introduce the preventive mental-hygienic measures. The mediator between IPV and conative functioning of adolescents was family cohesion.