Management Of Intimate Partner Violence Research Articles

Health providers readiness in managing intimate partner violence in public health institutions, Ethiopia.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a worldwide public health problem and major human and legal rights abuses of women. It affects the physical, sexual, and psychological aspects of the victims therefore, it requires complex and multifaceted interventions. Health providers are responsible for providing essential healthcare services for IPV victims. However, there is a lack of detailed information on whether or not health providers are ready to identify and manage IPV. Therefore, this study aimed to assess health providers' readiness and associated factors in managing IPV in public health institutions at Hawassa, Ethiopia. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted through a simple random sample of 424 health providers. Data was collected with an anonymous questioners using physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS) tool. Linear regression analysis was used to examine relationships among variables. The strength of association was assessed by using unstandardized β with 95% CI. The mean score of perceived provider's readiness in managing IPV was 26.18± 6.69. Higher providers age and providers perceived knowledge had positive association with provider perceived readiness in managing IPV. Whereas not had IPV training, absence of a protocol for dealing with IPV management, and provider attitude had a negative association with provider perceived readiness in managing IPV. This study reviled that health providers had limited perceived readiness to manage IPV. Provision of training for providers and develop protocol for IPV managements have an important role to improve providers readiness in the managements of IPV.

Influence of educational intervention on nurse-midwives’ knowledge and management practices of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in healthcare Facilities in Ekiti-State, Nigeria

ObjectiveTo assess the influence of an educational intervention on midwives' knowledge, detection and management of intimate partner violence (IPV). MethodsA quasi-experimental study involving 158 midwives from two districts in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The sample was divided into experimental and control groups (79 midwives per group). Data were collected using a questionnaire and an observation checklist. A customized educational training program on IPV detection and management was conducted in the experimental group. Measurement was performed before the intervention, immediately after and 6 weeks later. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square and binary logistic regression) with a level of significance set at p < 0.05. ResultsPrior knowledge regarding IPV detection and management among midwives in both groups was poor, with only 16.5 % of the experimental group and 17.7 % of the control group having good knowledge in the pre-intervention phase. The experimental group had a significant improvement in knowledge of IPV screening and management, with 82.1 % having good knowledge immediately after the intervention and 92.0 % at 6 weeks after the intervention (p = 0.001). Observed practice of IPV detection and management improved significantly from 21.9 % satisfactory practice before the intervention to 63.5 % after the intervention (p = 0.001) in the experimental group, with no appreciable improvement in practice detected in the control group (21.9% versus 36.5%; p = 0.682). ConclusionThe use of a customized educational training program improved midwives' knowledge and practice in the detection and management of intimate partner violence.

Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy and Maternal Morbidity in South Ethiopia: A Cohort Study.

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy is a universal public health problem. However, its link with maternal morbidity is not well understood in Ethiopia. Thus, the study assessed its effect on maternal morbidity during delivery and postpartum in South Ethiopia. A prospective cohort study was conducted among 1535 pregnant women. Pregnant women with intimate partner violence during pregnancy were enrolled as the "exposed group", and pregnant women without intimate partner violence were registered as the "unexposed group". A total of 711 exposed and 774 unexposed women were included in the analysis of this study. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data entry and analysis were done in STATA Version 14. A generalized linear model with a log link function using the binreg command was applied to examine the effect of intimate partner violence on maternal morbidity. The level of maternal morbidity during delivery and postpartum was higher among women with intimate partner violence than women without intimate partner violence (34.0% vs 26.6%). After adjusting for confounders, women with intimate partner violence during pregnancy were more likely to experience maternal morbidity than women without intimate partner violence (aRR=4.45; 95% CI: 3.15, 6.28). Psychological violence was also identified as a risk factor for maternal morbidity (aRR=2.17; 95% CI: 1.76, 2.67). Likewise, women with physical violence were more likely to experience maternal morbidity than those without physical violence (aRR=1.31; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.53). The current study demonstrated a higher level of maternal morbidity among women with intimate partner violence. Psychological violence, physical violence, and intimate partner violence during pregnancy were found to increase the risk of maternal morbidity. Strengthening the prevention and prompt management of intimate partner violence during pregnancy may significantly reduce the incidence of maternal morbidity.

Intimate Partner Violence; Are Saudi Physicians in Primary Health Care Setting Ready to Identify, Screening, and Respond?

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a growing hot topic in Saudi Arabia and primary health care (PHC) physicians play a significant role in preventing it. Our objective was to assess the PHC Physicians' readiness and barriers to identify, screen, and respond to IPV in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study recruited physicians working in PHC centers in Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a modified online self-administered questionnaire based on the PREMIS "The Physician Readiness to Identify and Manage IPV." The questionnaire consisted of respondent profile, perceived preparedness and knowledge, actual knowledge, practice issues, and opinion regarding barriers. Among 169 PHC physicians, 60.9% had never experienced any formal IPV training. Around one-fifth of participants have a good perceived and actual knowledge, whereas one-third have a good perceived preparedness. Nearly half of the participants (46.7%) do not screen for IPV and two-thirds of them (66.3%) have never identified an IPV case during the previous 6 months. The logistic regression model showed that family physicians were 2.27 times more likely to have a good knowledge than a general practitioner, and participants with IPV training were more likely to have a good level of perceived preparedness, perceived knowledge, and more likely to perform screening of IPV. The low level of PHC physicians' readiness to identify and respond to IPV is worrisome. Findings emphasize the urgent need for an IPV training program, a supportive work environment, and a clear referral system in order to help the practitioner to provide comprehensive services and ensure safety plans for abused women.

Knowledge, Attitude, Preparedness and Behavior of Nurses Towards Intimate Partner Violence in Mental Health Settings

Various studies have explored healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and preparedness towards intimate partner violence (IPV). However, there is a dearth of research, which focuses on nurses working in mental health settings. This study explored the knowledge and preparedness of nurses working in mental health settings to identify and manage IPV. The hypothesis developed for this study was: nurses have negative perceptions towards the management of IPV; and demographic characteristics influence the nurses’ perceptions towards IPV. A cross-sectional quantitative survey design was used. One hundred and nine nurses working within the acute in-patient and community mental health setting completed the Physicians Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS). The results of the study show that the participants lack competence in identifying potential victimized individuals and may not feel adequately prepared and knowledgeable to address IPV in their practice. However, they are willing to manage IPV and have identified the need of more competence in the area. These findings are similar to literature which involved populations other than nurses who work in mental health settings. Nurses in mental health settings need training on how to identify and manage IPV cases. Mixed methods research in this area is also recommended.

Relationship conflict and partner violence by UK military personnel following return from deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan

PurposeRisk of violence by UK military personnel, both towards non-family and family, has been found to be higher post-deployment. However, no UK research to date has attempted to examine relationship conflict and intimate partner violence (IPV) in this period. This study estimated the prevalence of and risk factors for post-deployment relationship conflict and partner violence in UK military personnel.MethodsWe utilised data on military personnel who had deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan (n = 5437), drawn from a large cohort study into the health and well-being of UK military personnel.Results34.7% reported relationship conflict (arguing with partner) and 3.4% reported perpetrating physical IPV post-deployment. Males were more likely than females to report relationship conflict. There were similar rates of self-reported physical IPV perpetration among males and females. Among our male sample, factors associated with both relationship conflict and physical IPV perpetration post-deployment included being in the Army compared with the Royal Air Force, higher levels of childhood adversity, higher levels of military trauma exposure and recent mental health and alcohol misuse problems. Being over 40 at time of deployment (vs being under 25) and having deployed in a combat role were also associated with relationship conflict, but not physical IPV perpetration.ConclusionsDeployment-related variables and mental health and alcohol misuse problems were found to be key factors associated with post-deployment relationship conflict and IPV. Services providing health or welfare support to military personnel must collaborate with mental health services and consider history of deployment, and particularly deployment-related trauma, in their assessments to improve identification and management of intimate partner violence and abuse in military communities.

Intimate partner violence education in Australian medical schools: has anything changed?

ObjectivesTo describe current intimate partner violence (IPV) education delivery to Australian medical students, and the barriers influencing this delivery, including any changes in the quantity and nature of IPV education delivery since 2010. MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis of Australian medical schools providing primary medical degrees was conducted by identifying one staff member, from each of the disciplines of general practice, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, and where necessary, medical education, to complete an online survey. ResultsSixteen of the 17 medical schools provided IPV education, typically within the general practice or obstetrics and gynaecology curriculum. The median contact hour range was 3–6 hours. Key barriers included time constraints and resource shortages. The overall response rate was 89.5%. ConclusionMost Australian medical students receive limited IPV education and there is substantial variability in the depth and content of education. The proportion of medical schools providing education and the number of contact hours has only slightly increased. Implications for public healthEffective identification and management of IPV by healthcare providers can significantly improve health outcomes for victims and training in IPV may improve attitudes, knowledge and clinical skills. The need to provide more consistent and comprehensive IPV training for future doctors remains, and it is feasible to include integrated IPV education programs within a crowded medical curriculum.

Nurses', midwives' and students' knowledge, attitudes and practices related to domestic violence: A cross-sectional survey.

To measure registered nurses', registered midwives', and nursing and midwifery students' current levels of knowledge, attitude and practices related to intimate partner violence. Nurses and midwives whether registered or students need to be confident and competent in identifying and responding to intimate partner violence. A cross-sectional survey. Data were collected through online surveys using the Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Nursing and midwifery students were less knowledgeable and prepared than nurses and midwives. Midwives had more positive attitudes compared with nurses towards women experiencing intimate partner violence. Heath care institutions and regulatory bodies should provide resources and support to nursing and midwifery professionals. Personal experiences of domestic abuse and professional experience of supporting victims of domestic abuse/intimate partner violence affected practitioner's abilities to identify and manage intimate partner violence. Nurse and midwifery managers can ensure that clinical and organisational policies and protocols are revisited and updated regularly and that interdisciplinary collaboration is promoted and emphasized for prompt identification and management of intimate partner violence.

Measuring the readiness to screen and manage intimate partner violence: Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the PREMIS tool for perinatal care providers.

Pregnancy and perinatal periods are significant risk factors of intimate partner violence (IPV), a major public health problem that could begin or intensify during these periods. Perinatal care providers have a major role in the identification and the management of IPV. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt into French the Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS) tool, a reliable instrument to assess the knowledge, attitudes and preparedness to address IPV, and to evaluate its psychometric properties. The PREMIS was cross-culturally adapted by conducting forward and backward translations, following international guidelines. An online cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the PREMIS-French in perinatal care providers: data completeness, factor analysis, score distribution, floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, item-total correlations, inter-subscale correlations and test-retest reliability. The PREMIS was successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted to the context of metropolitan France. The results obtained from 360 perinatal care providers showed good acceptability. Exploratory factor analysis of the "Opinions" items resulted in a six-factor solution with six of the eight subscales of the original structure identified. Good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.54 to 0.97) and good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.46 to 0.92) for the "Background" and "Opinions" subscales were found. This study provides evidence of the good psychometric properties of the PREMIS-French. This valid instrument will help to understand perinatal care providers' barriers to IPV screening and management and will help to focus on specific lacks of knowledge for developing IPV education programs.

Just the facts: diagnosis and management of intimate partner violence in the emergency department.

Just the facts: diagnosis and management of intimate partner violence in the emergency department.

Preparing student pharmacists to care for patients exposed to intimate partner violence

IntroductionIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health problem. Little is known about pharmacists' IPV knowledge and awareness. This study assessed student pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of IPV and examined the impact of a brief curricular unit on these factors. MethodsThe Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey was adapted for use with student pharmacists and administered at two pharmacy schools, one private (n = 88) and one public institution (n = 104). Students at one institution were exposed to a curricular unit on IPV tailored for pharmacy practice and completed a post-assessment. ResultsStudents at both institutions had low levels of IPV-related knowledge, answering <60% of items correctly. Students reported low levels of perceived knowledge and preparation. After exposure to the educational intervention (n = 60), knowledge scores increased on a matched post-assessment. Students across both institutions (n = 29) provided comments indicating that they believed IPV is an important issue, that this topic was novel and that pharmacists should address IPV, that pharmacists should be trained on IPV and a desire for training, and that there are barriers to addressing IPV in the pharmacy setting. ConclusionsPreparing student pharmacists to care for patients exposed to IPV may improve patient outcomes and positively impact the lives of the patients they serve. A brief educational intervention improved students' knowledge about IPV and confidence in screening patients for IPV.

Reproductive endocrinologists’ knowledge and attitudes in the identification of intimate partner violence

To assess reproductive endocrinologists' attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and experiences with intimate partner violence (IPV). Cross-sectional survey of US reproductive endocrinologists. The survey was disseminated via both direct mail and e-mail to a voluntary, semirandomized US national sample of reproductive endocrinologists. We randomly selected a maximum of six clinics per state using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Fertility Clinic Success Rates Report. None. None. Clinician perceptions and knowledge regarding IPV and its relevance to the infertility setting. A total of 95 reproductive endocrinology and infertility physicians practicing in either academic or private clinics in the United States completed the survey with an overall response rate of 46% (95/200). General knowledge of IPV was good among respondents. Intimate partner violence assessment was very relevant among 39% (37/95) of respondents and possibly relevant among 56% (53/95) of respondents. A history of IPV awareness training was associated with a decreased frequency of reported barriers, including fewer perceived time constraints, decreased knowledge regarding IPV community resources, and less discomfort asking about IPV. Most respondents estimated the prevalence of IPV in their practice to be rare (≤1%). However, 33% (31/95) reported identifying between one and five active victims of IPV over the prior year, and 63% (60/95) reported identifying a victim of IPV throughout their careers. Only 17% (16/95) of respondents were certain that their clinic had guidelines for detection or management of IPV. Reproductive endocrinology and infertility physicians would benefit from education and training in IPV to enable them to better identify and assist patients who are victims of IPV.

Perceptions of Australian paramedicine students on a novel multi-modal, skills-based intimate partner violence training: A qualitative, exploratory study

BackgroundIntimate partner violence is a global problem with significant adverse sequelae. Healthcare education in this area is limited, and healthcare students and professionals generally lack the confidence to communicate with, and clinically manage patients experiencing intimate partner violence. ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the perceptions of undergraduate paramedicine students about intimate partner violence and its management, and intimate partner violence education. DesignA qualitative, exploratory study. SettingAn Australian undergraduate paramedicine program. ParticipantsSecond- and third-year paramedicine students. MethodsSecond-year paramedicine students were provided with intimate partner violence information in the form of relevant literature, a lecture and an online educational package, and a group clinical scenario session. Third-year students were not offered this information or experience. Both 2nd and 3rd year students then participated in a one-on-one clinical scenario with a standardised patient. The students interviewed the patient regarding health concerns, with appropriate questioning eliciting intimate partner violence disclosure. Subsequently, focus groups examined students' views regarding intimate partner violence management and education. Focus group transcripts were thematically analysed. ResultsTwelve students participated in a standardised patient one-on-one clinical scenario and nine of these students took part in focus groups. Four major themes were identified from the focus groups: i) confidence, ii) uncertainty-what to do now? iii) value of intimate partner violence education, and iv) future of intimate partner violence education. The discourse around lack of confidence appeared to be more pronounced in the students who had not received the intimate partner violence educational package. ConclusionThe inclusion of a multi-modal intimate partner violence education package, including the utilisation of a standardised patient can be useful in improving paramedicine student confidence to interact with and manage patients impacted by intimate partner violence. Students value this education and are supportive of its incorporation in undergraduate paramedicine programs.

Community Health Worker Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an important public health concern with higher prevalence among women. Community health workers (CHWs) are trusted frontline public health workers that bridge gaps between communities and healthcare services. Despite their effectiveness in delivering services and improving outcomes for different chronic conditions, there is a dearth of understanding regarding CHW management of IPV. The purpose of this study is to examine knowledge, attitudes, practices, and readiness to manage IPV among a sample of CHWs (n = 152). Participants completed an online version of the Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS), which was modified for CHW practice. Psychometrics of the newly adapted tool, along with empirical relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and readiness to manage IPV were examined. Most sub-scales yielded moderate to high reliability (0.70 < α’s < 0.97), some sub-scales had low reliability (0.57 < α’s < 0.64), and construct validity was established for several of the subscales. On average, many CHWs had low scores on objective knowledge of IPV (mean = 15.4 out of 26), perceived preparation to manage IPV (mean = 3.8 out of 7), and perceived knowledge of IPV (mean = 3.7 out of 7). About 56% of CHWs indicated having no previous IPV training, 34% did not screen for IPV, and 65% were in the contemplation stage of behavior change. Multiple regression models indicated that knowledge, staff capabilities and staff preparation were significant predictors of perceived preparedness to manage IPV (all p’s < 0.05). Results can inform future credentialing requirements and training programs for CHWs to better assist their clients who are victims of IPV.

Intimate Partner Violence Standardized Patient Simulation for Nurse Practitioner Students.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health threat in the United States, affecting millions of individuals and families. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing recommends that nursing programs, both baccalaureate and graduate, provide students didactic training and clinical experience in the assessment and management of IPV. Our goal was to expose Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) students and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students to a simulated IPV scenario so they are prepared to respond appropriately to a survivor's disclosure of IPV when they begin clinical practice. We integrated a patient simulation scenario into our PMHNP and FNP curriculum. A combined group of PMHNP and FNP students participated in a simulation in which the standardized patient provided an unlikely explanation for her injuries. If students inquired about abuse, the patient revealed that she had experienced IPV. A pre- and posttest survey was used to evaluate student knowledge gain before and after the participating in the scenario. A Related Samples Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to evaluate the results. Compared with pretest scores, students demonstrated improved confidence in screening for IPV as well as responding to a disclosure of IPV. Simulation provides a method to enhance student knowledge of incidence, risk, and best practices in relation to the screening, assessment and management of IPV.

Case stories and Post-violence behavior of women seeking medical attention at the emergency department due to physical violence

SubjectThe objective of this study is to determine the violence experienced by women who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) due to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and their previous experiences of violence. MethodThe descriptive study was conducted with 96 women. The data was analyzed in SPSS 17.0 statistics package program. FindingsThe average age of the women is X = 35.33 ± 11.72, 35.4% of them are in the 31–40 age group, 69.6% are married, 44.8% are high school graduates, 60.4% are unemployed. It was determined that women who were IPV victims were exposed to violence by being beaten (punching, kicking etc.) at the highest rate (82.3%), and nearly half of them (47.9%) were injured in the head and neck regions. The vast majority of women (86.5%) have been subjected to violence before, only %13.5 of them stated that they experienced violence for the first time. It was found that the majority of women (69.8%) continued to live with the perpetrator after violence. Only three of the women (3.4%) attempted to initiate legal action, and the majority (76.5%) did not intend to take legal action. ConclusionsHealthcare professionals should be aware that most woman presenting to the ED with IPV has a history of violence before it, and that this will probably not be the last. Healthcare professionals should also consider the fact that the victims may be exposed to different types of violence at the same time. It is also recommended that healthcare professionals be trained on policies regarding IPV management and equipped to provide women with the right way out.

The intersection of intimate partner violence and substance use among women with opioid use disorder

Background Women with opioid use disorder (OUD) report high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and there is limited understanding of how IPV influences substance use behaviors among women with OUD. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of 40 women with OUD participating in an ongoing clinical trial evaluating postpartum contraceptive utilization patterns for this population. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and lasted approximately 45 min. Interview questions focused on women’s perceptions and experiences with IPV and how these experiences impacted their substance use behaviors. Transcripts were coded independently in Atlas.ti and qualitatively analyzed using a general qualitative inquiry approach for emerging themes. Results: Participants were aged 24–29, and the majority were white, single, unemployed, had Medicaid insurance and a high school degree. Although personal IPV experiences were not necessary to be selected for this qualitative sub-study, all participants reported some lifetime experience with IPV. Four overarching themes emerged: (1) women attributed physical IPV to their partner’s substance use; (2) emotional abuse prevented women from fully engaging in their recovery; (3) financial abuse prevented women from gaining independence from abusive partners; and (4) women coped with IPV experiences through substance use. Conclusions: IPV had a significant influence on women’s substance use behaviors including their perceived risk of relapse and treatment discontinuation. These findings demonstrate the need to integrate assessment, evaluation and management of IPV into substance use treatment settings.

Changing students' knowledge and attitudes towards intimate partner violence

Abstract The need for effective awareness raising interventions for the prevention of intimate partner violence (IPV) has been widely acknowledged, given its frequency among dating relationships. The current intervention study aimed to improve IPV knowledge, attitudes and practices of university students. A pre/post-test design with a control group was employed to compare changes in baseline measures of IPV at post intervention stage. A total of 80 higher education students participated in the study and provided full data; 40 students (intervention group) and 40 students (control group). The awareness raising intervention included: a) a one-day intensive educational seminar, b) reminder and email messages over a 4-week period, and c) demonstration of informational material in public places. Students in the intervention group performed better than those in the control group regarding IPV attitudes (p=.174 and p=.011). No statistically significant improvements were shown in terms of IPV knowledge and self-reported IPV victimization/perpetration. Further studies are necessary to decide on the structure and content of awareness raising interventions that could serve as an IPV prevention measure for young people. Key messages Higher education curricula need to incorporate lessons on intimate partner violence management. Longer, practice-based interventions may have a greater effect in changing students' behaviours towards intimate partner violence.

Ethiopian Health Care Workers' Insights into and Responses to Intimate Partner Violence in Pregnancy-A Qualitative Study.

Violence against women is a global pandemic, with the potential to spread through generations. Intimate partner violence has impacts on women’s sexual, reproductive, and psycho-social health. It can occur during pregnancy and adversely affect the health of both mother and child. Health care workers involved in antenatal care can have a unique role in identifying intimate partner violence and in intervening, preventing, and mitigating its consequences. In this study, the objective was to explore Ethiopian health care workers’ insights of and responses to intimate partner violence in pregnancy. Using an exploratory design, this qualitative study includes ten semi-structured interviews of health care workers representing different antenatal care centers in Jimma, Ethiopia. The content analyses of translated interview notes were conducted with Atlas.ti7 software, (Atlas.ti Scientific Software Development Gmbh, Berlin). The health care workers shared their insights of the consequences of intimate partner violence during pregnancy in addition to their experience with and responses to the victims. There was a limited understanding of the extent of the adverse impacts of intimate partner violence on pregnancy outcomes, as well as the potential long-term health implications. The informants described how they only gave medical treatment for obstetric complications or visible trauma during pregnancy. There was no formal referral to or linkages with other resources. Women’s empowerment and systemic changes in the health care, including training and capacity building, clear guidelines addressing management of intimate partner violence in pregnancy, and inclusion of intimate partner violence screening tools in the Ethiopian antenatal care chart/card, were recommended by the informants. The adverse impacts of intimate partner violence on pregnancy outcomes were poorly understood by the Ethiopian health care workers in this study. They offered limited assistance to the victims and recommended changes in the routine antenatal care (ANC) and health care systems. They identified various policy initiatives focusing on women’s empowerment to reduce intimate partner violence and its complications especially during pregnancy.

Intimate Partner Violence: Using Standardized Patients to Improve Trauma-Informed Care in the era of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health problem that has been exacerbated by the social isolation measures currently in place in countries around the world. The authors appreciate the importance of teaching medical students the skill sets to cope with the recognition and diagnosis and medical management of IPV. This is because physicians are most often the first point of contact for victims of IPV. It is also essential to ensure medical students become self-aware of the emotional triggers which may be associated with caring for victims of IPV. This opinion piece explains how medical educators can make a difference in training future physicians in caring for victims of IPV. With the current COVID-19 pandemic bringing the issue of IPV sharply into focus, this paper outlines why medical educators should ensure that medical students are equipped to deal with the societal consequences emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic which will reverberate into the future. Therefore, there is no more time to waste. We are facing a critical juncture, with the current cohort of medical students and physicians exposed to the disproportionately high levels of personal, professional, and emotional trauma that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Training is imperative; it is of paramount importance for our future medical professionals to be self-aware of their emotional triggers.