BACKGROUND The goal of our study was to understand the important issues to
consider when screening women for intimate partner violence in front of the
ir children,
METHODS Interviews and focus groups were conducted with experienced family
physicians and pediatricians and family violence experts (child psychologis
ts, social workers, and domestic violence agency directors). Session transc
ripts were coded and categorized.
RESULTS Experts disagreed on the appropriateness of general screening for i
ntimate partner violence in front of children older than 2 to 3 years. The
majority thought that general questions were appropriate, if the in-depth q
uestioning of the abused parent was done in private, Screening for child ab
use when domestic violence is identified (and for domestic violence when ch
ild abuse is discovered) was recommended. Documentation about intimate part
ner violence in the child's medical chart raises questions about confidenti
ality, since the person committing the abuse may have access, if he or she
is a legal guardian. Physicians need more education on the symptoms of chil
dren who are exposed to violence between adults.
CONCLUSIONS More research is needed to understand appropriate questions and
methods of screening for intimate partner violence in front of children, T
he tension is between practical recommendations for routine screening and p
reserving the safety of the parent and the children, Intimate partner viole
nce screening by physicians is important. Interrupting the cycle of violenc
e may give a child a better chance at maturing into a healthy adult.