USPSTF Recommends Screening for Intimate Partner Violence in Women of Reproductive Age

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence to recommend screening in men or in older or vulnerable adults.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Target Audience: Primary care clinicians

Background

The USPSTF has updated its 2013 guideline on screening for intimate partner violence (IPV), elder abuse, and abuse of vulnerable adults (NEJM JW Gen Med Mar 1 2013 and Ann Intern Med 2013; 158:478). The new guideline identifies several sufficiently accurate instruments and emphasizes the importance of support services being available for patients who screen positive.

Key Points

The task force recommends that clinicians screen women of reproductive age, as long as referral can be made to appropriate support services (B recommendation).
The evidence is insufficient to recommend screening men (I statement).
The evidence also is in…

Reviewing Author

Thomas L. Schwenk, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate