New Research On Violence And Trauma Published In Journal Of Midwifery & Women's Health

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 04 Nov 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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New research in the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health (JMWH) addresses the effects of violence and trauma on women's health. The November/December 2008 continuing education issue of JMWH contains eight original research articles, covering topics from when and how to broach the subject of violence and trauma to the physical and psychological health consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV).

IPV is recognized internationally as a significant public health concern. The lifetime prevalence of IPV is between 25% and 30%. Estimates of the number of women presenting in health care settings with a history of IPV in the prior year vary between 4% and 23%.

This issue of JMWH addresses the need for evidence-based research to guide clinicians in attending to the needs of women who experience violence and trauma. Jane Koziol-McLain, PhD, RN, and colleagues provide convincing evidence that health care-based screening for IPV is non-threatening and safe. Paula Renker, PhD, RNC, expertly analyzes computer-assisted self interviews as a promising method that is both effective and acceptable to women. Other articles in this issue profile pregnant survivors of abuse, report prevalence of dating partner violence among university students, and examine associations between IPV and physical health and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

In each issue, JMWH provides a patient education page entitled Share with Women, which can be copied and distributed to patients. The current handout includes key points for a woman who is deciding to leave an abusive relationship as well as space for the insertion of phone numbers for local community support services. To view all available Share with Women handouts please go to http://www.acnm.org/share_with_women.cfm

With roots dating to 1929, the American College of Nurse-Midwives is the oldest women's health care association in the U.S. ACNM's mission is to promote the health and well-being of women and newborns within their families and communities through the development and support of the profession of midwifery as practiced by certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives. Midwives believe every individual has the right to safe, satisfying health care with respect for human dignity and cultural variations. More information about ACNM can be found at http://www.midwife.org.

Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health

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