Patterns of Physical Injury in Women Subjected to Intimate Partner Violence Presenting to the Emergency Department

Masarwa R1, Natan MB2*, Steinfeld Y1, Yonai Y1 and Berkovich Y1

1Pat Matthews Academic School of Nursing, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
2Department of Orthopedics B, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel

^*Correspondance to: Merav Ben Natan 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3608

Abstract

Introduction: The presentation to the Emergency Department (ED) of women injured by physical violence perpetrated by their intimate partner is a grave problematic phenomenon dealt with by nurses that has yet to be thoroughly diagnosed. Typical sites of injury, as well as the characteristics of the injured women, are not fully known. This study aims to explore sociodemographic characteristics and patterns of physical injury associated with Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in women presenting to the ED. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing 145 cases of women injured by their intimate partners and presenting at the ED. Results: The present study identified several typical sociodemographic characteristics and patterns of physical injury in women presenting to the ED following an IPV incident. Thus, these women are likely to be Arab, around age 40, presenting with contusions, hematomas, and lacerations to the head, face, or upper limbs that do not require hospitalization, and with a history of ED visits in the past five years. Older age appears to some extent to be a protective factor against IPV. Conclusion: This information will facilitate nursing identification and treatment of women affected by IPV and will enhance their physical and mental health.

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Cite the article

Masarwa R, Natan MB, Steinfeld Y, Yonai Y, Berkovich Y. Patterns of Physical Injury in Women Subjected to Intimate Partner Violence Presenting to the Emergency Department. Clin Surg. 2023; 8: 3608..