Citation

Ben Natan M, Masarwa R, Steinfeld Y, Yonai Y, Berkovich Y. J. Trauma Nurs. 2023; 30(4): 222-227.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Society of Trauma Nurses)

DOI

10.1097/JTN.0000000000000732

PMID

37417673

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence is a growing public health concern worldwide, and nurses are uniquely positioned to help identify and refer patients for services. Yet, intimate partner violence injury patterns and characteristics often go unrecognized.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to explore injury and sociodemographic characteristics associated with intimate partner violence in women presenting to a single emergency department in Israel.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed medical records of married women injured by their spouse who presented to a single emergency department in Israel from January 1, 2016, to August 31, 2020.

RESULTS: In total, 145 cases were included, of which 110 (76%) were Arab and 35 (24%) were Jewish, with a mean age of 40. Patients' injury patterns consisted of contusions, hematomas, and lacerations to the head, face, or upper extremities, not requiring hospitalization, and having a history of emergency department visits in the past 5 years.

CONCLUSION: Identifying intimate partner violence characteristics and patterns of injury will help nurses identify, initiate treatment, and report suspected abuse.

Language: en