title: Women veterans' preferences for intimate partner violence screening and response procedures within the Veterans Health Administration.
abstract: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant health issue faced by women veterans, but little is known about their preferences for IPV-related care. Five focus groups were conducted with 24 women Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients with and without a lifetime history of IPV to understand their attitudes and preferences regarding IPV screening and responses within VHA. Women veterans wanted disclosure options, follow-up support, transparency in documentation, and VHA and community resources. They supported routine screening for IPV and articulated preferences for procedural aspects of screening. Women suggested that these procedures could be provided most effectively when delivered with sensitivity and connectedness. Findings can inform the development of IPV screening and response programs within VHA and other healthcare settings.
authors.affiliation: National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Boston Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, 150 South Huntington Avenue, (116B-3), Boston, MA, 02130.
authors.forename: Katherine M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Iverson
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Stephanie Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.forename: Jason D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Megan R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Gerber
authors.forename: Shannon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wiltsey-Stirman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001900:Boston; D003376:Counseling; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000523:psychology; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D014728:Veterans
keywords: Department of Veterans Affairs; counseling; domestic violence; female veterans; qualitative research; screening