USPSTF Revises Recommendation on Screening Women for Intimate Partner Violence

In 2004, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) position was that evidence was insufficient to support screening women for intimate partner violence (IPV). Now, an updated USPSTF review shows that screening can accurately identify women who are experiencing IPV. Specific benefits of screening vary by population, but potential adverse effects are minimal for most women. Highlights of the review are as follows:

• Effectiveness of screening: One large, randomized controlled trial of screening versus usual care showed that post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, alcohol-related problems, quality of life, depression, and mental health scores improved in both groups. Screened women were more likely to initiate discussions of IPV with their clinicians.

• Diagnostic accuracy of screening tools: Seven instruments (table) for detecting past, current, or recent IPV or predicting likelihood of future IPV had high diagnostic accuracy (≥80% sensitivity and specificity).

• Effectiveness of interventions to reduce IPV exposure, physical or mental harms, and mortality: Six trials showed that counseling interventions decreased pregnancy coercion, improved birth outcomes, and reduced IPV in new mothers.

• Adverse effects of IPV screening and intervention: Few studies reported adverse effects, which were generally limited to discomfort, loss of privacy, emotional distress, and concern about further abuse.