special collections - health

 

Domestic and family violence and health issues

Introduction

On World Health Day 2009, the Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse is releasing a special collection of research and resources on health issues.  Research demonstrates short and long term health related impacts of domestic and family violence, with studies indicating that such violence is a key determinant of morbidity and mortality for women. 

Health care settings are a critical place to provide assistance to people affected domestic and family violence.  Victims may seek help for a wide range of health issues related to the abuse, including for physical injuries, chronic health problems, disability, mental health issues or general health advice.  They may seek help from diverse health practitioners, who are in a unique position to provide immediate assistance for the health issues, as well as prevention and support through screening, information provision, referral and intervention.

In this special collection, you will find research and resources related to:

 

 

Health impacts

Abused women disclose partner interference with health care: an unrecognised form of battering
McCloskey LA, Williams CM, Lichter E, Gerber M, Ganz ML & Sege R 2007, ‘Abused women disclose partner interference with health care: an unrecognised form of battering’, Journal of General Internal Medicine, vol. 22, no. 8, pp. 1067-1072, Record #4133
This US study examines the extent to which abusive partners attempt to control women’s access to health care professionals and concludes that partner interference poses a significant obstacle to women’s ability to access health care.

Exciting discoveries on the health effects of family violence: where we are, where we need to go
Kendall-Tackett K 2005, ‘Exciting discoveries on the health effects of family violence: where we are, where we need to go’, Violence Against Women, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 251-257, Record #3188
This US article provides an overview of the long-term physical health effects of family violence in terms of functional and organic illnesses.

History of domestic violence and physical health in midlife
Loxton, D, Schofield, M, Hussain, R & Mishra, G 2006, ‘History of domestic violence and physical health in midlife’, Violence Against Women, vol. 12, no. 8, pp. 715-731, Record #3677

This Australian article presents the findings of a survey of 14,100 Australian women aged 45-50 years, which examined the prevalence of specific health disorders in women who had experienced domestic violence.

Home is where the hurt is: a statistical analysis of injuries caused by spousal assault
Borooah VK & Mangan J 2006, Home is where the hurt is: a statistical analysis of injuries caused by spousal assault, Department of Economics, Macquarie University, Sydney, Record #3728
This paper reports on the findings from a study of data from Emergency Departments of participating hospitals in Queensland, to compare data on injuries from spousal and non-spousal assault.

Intimate partner violence and women's contraceptive use
Williams, CM; Larsen, U; McCloskey, LA 2008, 'Intimate partner violence and women's contraceptive use', Violence Against Women, vol. 14, no. 12, pp. 1382-1396, Record #4451
This article explores differences in contraceptive use between abused and nonabused women, using a case—control study of 225 women.

Intimate partner violence and women's physical and mental health in the WHO multi-country study on women's health and domestic violence: and observational study
Garcia-Moreno, C, Jansen, HAFM, Ellsberg, M, Heise, L & Watts, CH 2008, 'Intimate partner violence and women's physical and mental health in the WHO multi-country study on women's health and domestic violence: and observational study',  The Lancet, vol. 371, pp. 1165-1172, Record #4317
This article summarises the results of standardised population-based surveys carried out between 2000 and 2003, in which women aged between 15 and 49 were interviewed about their experience with intimate partner violence and various symptoms associated with physical and mental health.

Risk factors for femicide-suicide in abusive relationships: results from a multisite case control study
Koziol-Mclain J, Webster, D, McFarlane, J, Block, CR, Ulrich Y, Glass, N, Campbell, JC 2006, 'Risk factors for femicide-suicide in abusive relationships: results from a multisite case control study', Violence and Victims, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 3-21, Record #3763
This article looks at femicide-suicide (the killing of women by men who then take their own lives) risk factors in an eleven-city case control study of femicide in the US.

Summary Report: WHO multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence against women.  Initial results on the prevalence, health outcomes and women’s responses
World Health Organisation 2005, Summary Report: WHO multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence against women.  Initial results on the prevalence, health outcomes and women’s responses, WHO, Geneva, Record #3583
This report provides a summary of the key findings of the WHO study into intimate-partner and non-partner violence against women and girls in 10 countries worldwide.

The health costs of violence: measuring the burden of disease caused by intimate partner violence: a summary of findings
Webster K 2004, The health costs of violence: measuring the burden of disease caused by intimate partner violence: a summary of findings, VicHealth and the Victorian Department of Human Services, Melbourne, Record #2521
This Australian report assesses the health impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on women, finding that it is the leading contributor to death, disability and illness for Victorian women aged between 15 and 44 years of age.

Violence-induced disability: the consequences of violence against women and children
Ollie L & MacDonald H 2006, Violence-induced disability: the consequences of violence against women and children, Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre, Victoria, Record #3748
This Australian discussion paper reviews the current state of knowledge about disability caused by violence against women and children, with the aim of raising public awareness and discussion.

WHO multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence against women.  Initial results on the prevalence, health outcomes and women’s responses
World Health Organisation 2005, WHO multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence against women.  Initial results on the prevalence, health outcomes and women’s responses, WHO, Geneva, Record #3569
This report presents the initial results of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) study of intimate-partner and non-partner violence against women and girls, based on evidence gathered from over 24,000 women and findings from 15 sites in 10 countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, Japan, Peru, Namibia, Samoa, Serbia and Montenegro, Thailand and the United Republic of Tanzania.

 

Mental health impacts

Association between physical partner violence, post-traumatic stress, childhood trauma, and suicide attempts in a community sample of women
Deedet S, Stein MB & Forde DR 2005, ‘Association between physical partner violence, post-traumatic stress, childhood trauma, and suicide attempts in a community sample of women’, Violence and Victims, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 87-98, Record #3866
This article reports on a US study in which women in Memphis were surveyed to identify connections between intimate partner violence (IPV) and childhood maltreatment, substance misuse, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal behaviour.

Common mental health correlates of domestic violence
Robertiello G 2007, 'Common mental health correlates of domestic violence', Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 111-121, Record #4287
This article from the United States reviews the literature to establish a link between family violence and mental health, with particular reference to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Differing effects of partner and nonpartner sexual assault on women's mental health
Temple, JR, Rodriguez, BF; Weston, R, Marshall, LL 2007, 'Differing effects of partner and nonpartner sexual assault on women's mental health' , Violence Against Women, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 285-297, Record #3921 
This study contrasted the effects of intimate partner and nonpartner sexual assault on women's mental health among a sample (N = 835) of low-income, ethnically diverse community women.

Intimate partner violence, PTSD and adverse health outcomes
Dutton MA, Green BL, Kaltman SI, Roesch DM, Zeffiro TA & Krause DE 2006, ‘Intimate partner violence, PTSD and adverse health outcomes’, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 21, no. 7, pp. 955-968, Record #3719
This US article examines research from the past 20 years on the relationship between intimate partner violence and adverse health outcomes, particularly PTSD.

Intimate partner violence and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in women: what we know and what we need to know
Woods SJ 2005, ‘Intimate partner violence and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in women: what we know and what we need to know’, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 394-402, Record #3141
This US/International article provides an overview of the prevalence and predictors of PTSD in victims of intimate partner violence and the association between PTSD and physical health outcomes.

Mental health consequences of intimate partner abuse: a multidimensional assessment of four different forms of abuse
Mechanic MB, Weaver TL, & Resick PA 2008, 'Mental health consequences of intimate partner abuse: a multidimensional assessment of four different forms of abuse', Violence Against Women, vol. 14, no. 6, June, pp. 634-654, Record #4300
This article explores the independent contributions of physical violence, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and stalking on symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among a sample of 413 severely battered, help-seeking women in the United States.

 

Lone mothers’ experience of physical and sexual violence: association with psychiatric disorders
Butterworth P 2004, ‘Lone mothers’ experience of physical and sexual violence: association with psychiatric disorders’, British Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 184, pp. 21-27, Record #4420
This journal article analyses results from the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing and finds that the experience of physical and sexual violence accounted for much of the greater prevalence of psychiatric disorders among lone compared with partnered mothers.

Relationships among abuse characteristics, coping strategies, and abused women's psychological health: a path model
Parker, G & Lee, C 2007, 'Relationships among abuse characteristics, coping strategies, and abused women's psychological health: a path model', Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 22, no. 9, pp. 1184-1198, Record #4074
This study examined relationships between abuse, coping, and psychological health among 143 women who had experienced abuse in adult relationships.

The impact of partner stalking on mental health and protective order outcomes over time
Logan TK & Cole J 2007, 'The impact of partner stalking on mental health and protective order outcomes over time', Violence and Victims, vol. 22, no. 5, pp. 546-562, Record #4226
The goals of this study were to examine stalking victimization over time among a large sample (n = 662) of women who received a protective order against a violent partner and to examine the impact of stalking on mental health and protective order outcomes.

Trauma symptoms among infants exposed to intimate partner violence
Bogat GA, DeJonghe E, Levendosky AA, Davidson WS, von Eye, A 2006, 'Trauma symptoms among infants exposed to intimate partner violence', Child Abuse & Neglect, vol. 30, pp. 109-125, Record #3720
This US article presents the findings of a study on trauma symptoms among infants exposed to intimate partner violence.

 

Pregnancy

Domestic violence against women in their childbearing years: a review of the literature
O’Reilly R 2007, ‘Domestic violence against women in their childbearing years: a review of the literature’, Contemporary Nurse, vol. 25, no. 1-2, pp. 199-208, Record #4041
This Australian literature review examines the prevalence and impacts of domestic violence on women during their childbearing years and the efficacy of health care responses.

Domestic violence: prevalence in pregnant women and associations with physical and psychological health
Bacchus L, Mezey G, & Bewley S 2004, 'Domestic violence: prevalence in pregnant women and associations with physical and psychological health', European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology, vol. 113, no. 1, pp. 6-11, Record #2497
This UK article resents the methodology and results of a study examining the prevalence of domestic violence amongst pregnant women on antenatal and postnatal wards, and the relationship between domestic violence, obstetric complications and women’s psychological health.

Health and experiences of violence among young Australian Women
Taft A, Watson L & Lee C 2005, Health and experiences of violence among young Australian Women, Office for Women, Canberra, Record #3164
This paper comprise a summary of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health, which examined the impacts of domestic violence on the sexual, reproductive, mental and general health of young Australian women between 1996 and 2005.

Interpersonal violence and adolescent pregnancy: prevalence and implications for practice and policy
Leiderman S & Almo C 2006, Interpersonal violence and adolescent pregnancy: prevalence and implications for practice and policy, Centre for Assessment and Policy Development, Conshohocken, PA, Record #4142
This US briefing paper, which was prepared for practitioners, policy makers and advocates, outlines the implications for practice, programs and intervention of an increased knowledge and understanding of the links between interpersonal violence and adolescent pregnancy based on a literature review and interviews with experts.

Intimate partner violence and physical health consequences: policy and practice implications
Plichta SB 2004, 'Intimate partner violence and physical health consequences: policy and practice implications', Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 19, no. 11, pp. 1296-1323, Record #3195
This (US?) article reviews research findings from 1993 to 2003 with regard to the relationship of intimate partner violence (IPV), women’s physical health and use of health services

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy: latest research about the serious health consequences for pregnant women and their unborn children
Guggisberg M 2006, Intimate partner violence during pregnancy: latest research about the serious health consequences for pregnant women and their unborn children, Perth, Record #3802
This Western Australian paper reviews and analyses the latest international research on the consequences of intimate partner violence to pregnant women and their unborn children.

The hidden experience of violence during pregnancy: a study of 400 pregnant Australian women
Walsh D 2008, ‘The hidden experience of violence during pregnancy: a study of 400 pregnant Australian women', Australian Journal of Primary Health, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 97-105, Record #3433
This Australian article reports on the results of research into violence experienced by women from a diverse range of backgrounds during pregnancy, undertaken at the Melbourne Royal Women’s Hospital Antenatal Clinic.

 

Screening and risk assessment

Changing the way the health care system responds to intimate partner violence: domestic violence screening in medical and mental health care settings: overcoming barriers to screening, identifying and helping partner violence victims
Hamberger LK & Phelan MB 2006, ‘Changing the way the health care system responds to intimate partner violence: domestic violence screening in medical and mental health care settings: overcoming barriers to screening, identifying and helping partner violence victims’, Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma, vol. 13, no. 3/4, pp. 62-102, Record #3932
This article reviews research that evaluates physician, patient, and systems barriers to providing care to patients experiencing domestic violence, as well as gaps in the current research and suggestions for how these barriers might be overcome.

Domestic violence screening: findings of a pilot project conducted by allied health staff in community health
Howard J 2008, ‘Domestic violence screening: findings of a pilot project conducted by allied health staff in community health’, Australian Journal of Primary Health, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 43-31, Record #4345
This Australian article examines the efficacy of a pilot project that introduced screening for domestic violence into an allied health team at a community health service.

Intimate partner violence and continuation in a primary care screening program
Coker, AL Flerx, VC, Smith, PH, Whitaker, DJ, Fadden, MK, Williams, M 2007, 'Intimate partner violence and continuation in a primary care screening program', American Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 165, no. 7, pp. 821-827, Record #3965
This paper presents the results of a longitudinal estimate of the incidence and continuation of intimate partner violence (IPV) in a sample of 657 women currently in an intimate relationship, who were receiving primary health care in rural South Carolina USA.

Routine screening for domestic violence program: snapshot report 2
NSW Health 2005, Routine screening for domestic violence program: snapshot report 2, NSW Department of Health, North Sydney, Record #3647
This report compiled by NSW Health comprises the second ‘snapshot’ of outcomes achieved in the implementation of routine domestic violence in all NSW Area Health Services conducted in November 2004.

Screening women and elderly adults for family and intimate partner violence: a review of the evidence for the US Preventive Services Taskforce
Nelson HD, Nygren P, McInerney Y & Klein J 2004, ‘Screening women and elderly adults for family and intimate partner violence: a review of the evidence for the US Preventive Services Taskforce’, Annals of Internal Medicine, vol. 140, no. 5, pp. 387-404, Record #3195
This US article examines the research evidence on the benefits and harms of screening women and elderly adults for family and intimate partner violence in health care settings.

The elusive search for definitive evidence on routine screening for intimate partner violence
Spangaro, J,  Zwi, AB, Poulos, R 2008, 'The elusive search for definitive evidence on routine screening for intimate partner violence', Trauma, Violence & Abuse, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 55-68, Record #4453
This Australian article examines the literature to assess the evidence warranting routine screening for intimate partner violence.

Three year health outcomes among older women at risk of elder abuse: Women’s Health Australia
Schofield MJ & Mishra GD 2004, ‘Three year health outcomes among older women at risk of elder abuse: Women’s Health Australia’, Quality of Life Research, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 1043-1052, Record #2951
This Australian report presents the methodology and results of a study aimed at testing the effectiveness of the ‘Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale’ (VASS) in predicting health outcomes amongst women at risk of elder abuse.

We’ve had the training, now what? Qualitative analysis of barriers to domestic violence screening and referral in a health care setting
Minsky-Kelly D, Hamberger LK, Pape DA et al. 2005, ‘We’ve had the training, now what? Qualitative analysis of barriers to domestic violence screening and referral in a health care setting’, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol. 20, no. 10, pp. 1288-1309, Record #3387
This article presents the findings of a US study examining barriers to the identification and referral of domestic violence victims experienced by 752 staff of a health care institution after participating in a 3-hour domestic violence training program.

 

Health care responses

A domestic violence course for medical students: a study on its effectiveness
 Ergonen, AK, Salacin, S, Karademir, S & Musal, B 2007, 'A domestic violence course for medical students: a study on its effectiveness' , Journal of Family Violence, vol. 22, no. 6, pp. 441-447, Record #4138
This article reports on a study which sought to measure the effectiveness of the interactive domestic violence course given to Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine (DEUFM) Year V students, with tests implemented before and after the course.

Care for emergency department patients who have experienced domestic violence: a review of the evidence base
 Olive P 2007, ‘Care for emergency department patients who have experienced domestic violence: a review of the evidence base’, Journal of Clinical Nursing, vol. 16, no. 9, pp. 1736-1748, Record #4250
This UK literature review examines the prevalence of domestic violence amongst emergency department patients and recommends the implementation of evidence-based care responses by emergency department staff.

Domestic violence: a complex health care issue for dentistry today
Kenney JP 2006 ‘Domestic violence: a complex health care issue for dentistry today’, Forensic Science International, vol. 159S, pp. 121-125, Record #3589
This US article outlines domestic violence related health care issues for dentists, in light of the fact that evidence of physical violence to intimate partners and the elderly can be seen in the head or neck regions.

Evaluating the implementation of hospital-based domestic violence programs
Coben JC & Fisher EJ 2005, ‘Evaluating the implementation of hospital-based domestic violence programs’, Family Violence Prevention and Health Practice, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 1-11, Record #3301
This US article describes the findings of a state-wide evaluation of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) health-care-based domestic violence program between 2002 and 2004.

General practitioner management of intimate partner abuse and the whole family: qualitative study
Taft A, Broom DH & Legge D 2004, ‘General practitioner management of intimate partner abuse and the whole family: qualitative study’, British Medical Journal, vol. 328, no. 7440, pp. 618-621, Record #2370
This Australian article outlines the methodology and results of a qualitative study aimed at examining the management approaches taken by general practitioners in relation to victims of intimate partner abuse and their children.

Health’s a difficult beast: the interrelationships between domestic violence, women’s health and the health sector: an Australian case study
Fisher C, Hunt L, Adamsam R & Thurston W 2007, ‘Health’s a difficult beast: the interrelationships between domestic violence, women’s health and the health sector: an Australian case study’, Social Science & Medicine, vol. 65, pp. 1742-1750, Record #4318
This article reports on findings of a Western Australian study, indicating that the health sector’s response to domestic violence is often limited to the provision of medical treatment for victims and is marked by poor collaboration with the domestic violence sector.

Violence between intimate partners: working with the whole family
 Hegarty K, Taft A & Feder G 2008, ‘Violence between intimate partners: working with the whole family’, British Medical Journal Clinical Review, vol. 337, pp. 346-351, Record #4476
This Australian article reviews the evidence on identification and management of intimate partner violence (IPV) in families and summarises primary care guidelines.

What do medical providers need to successfully intervene with intimate partner violence?
Sugg N 2006, ‘What do medical providers need to successfully intervene with intimate partner violence?’, Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma, vol. 13, no. 3/4, pp. 103-123, Record #3933
This article explores the tools (prevalence rates, screening questions, intervention strategies) and support (educational, institutional, professional, research) needed to assist medical providers in successfully intervening in intimate partner violence.

 

Resources and training kits for health professionals

Intimate partner violence: an assessment tool for providers – PALM version
Marjava A 2005, ‘Intimate partner violence: an assessment tool for providers – PALM version’, Family Violence Prevention and Health Practice [electronic resource], vol. 1, no. 3, Record #3415
This  tool for US health care professionals, which provides information on how to conduct inquiry, assessment, intervention, documentation and follow up for domestic violence, can be downloaded in two formats for use on palm-based electronic tools.

Management of the whole family when intimate partner violence is present: guidelines for primary care physicians
Victorian Community Council on Crime and Violence 2006, Management of the whole family when intimate partner violence is present: guidelines for primary care physicians, Melbourne, Record #3563
These Australian guidelines, developed as part of an international collaboration, provide 31 consensus recommendations for primary care physicians relating to the identification and management of domestic violence.

Responding appropriately to domestic violence [online generic resource package]
Partnerships against Domestic Violence 2004, Responding appropriately to domestic violence [online generic resource package], Department of Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Record #3246
This package, developed by the University of Tasmania’s Department of Rural Health, contains information about domestic violence, readings, activities and questions for reflection. It is intended for facilitators to use when preparing education sessions, and it is appropriate for a range of learners, including health professionals, community, higher education students, and police.

Responding to domestic abuse: a handbook for health professionals
Department of Health 2005, Responding to domestic abuse: a handbook for health professionals, British Department of Health, London, Record #4059
This handbook provides information about domestic violence and how to respond to disclosures and is aimed at both front- line health workers and management staff in the UK Department of Health.

Violence against Women: Intimate Partner Violence - Women's Health Information Package
Women’s Health Victoria 2005, Violence against Women: Intimate Partner Violence - Women's Health Information Package, Women’s Health Victoria, Record #1686
This annotated resource compiles booklets, articles, books, research and websites that address diverse aspects of domestic violence, including health impacts and professional responses.