Screening for Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence in College Women: Missed Opportunities.
BACKGROUND
Intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence (SV) are significant health issues for college women. Leading organizations and experts recommend screening for IPV/SV in health care settings, including college health centers. Given the prevalence and health risks associated with IPV/SV among college women, it is important to examine screening in this population.


METHODS
A cross-sectional, web-based survey was administered to college women at two universities in the northeastern United States. The survey consisted of demographic questions, assessment of experiences with IPV/SV (lifetime and past 6 months), use of health care services with either a college health center or an off-campus provider, and assessment of health care setting screening practices.


RESULTS
The sample included 615 college women (M = 21.5 years). Lifetime experiences of IPV/SV were reported by 222 women (36.1%). Approximately 8.1% of participants (n = 51) experienced IPV/SV in the past 6 months. Almost 63% (n = 238) reported not being asked about IPV/SV at their most recent off-campus health care visit. Nearly 90% (n = 237) reported not being asked about IPV/SV at their most recent visit to the college health center.


CONCLUSIONS
Participants reported high rates of IPV/SV and low rates of violence screening at college health centers and off-campus settings. Routine provider screening for IPV/SV in health care settings can identify women at risk and can lead to interventions that reduce subsequent violence and improve health outcomes and referrals. Theory-based, culture-specific, multilevel interventions are needed to promote IPV/SV screening among college health providers.
William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Electronic address: Melissa.Sutherland@bc.edu.
Melissa A
MA
Sutherland
School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts.
Heidi Collins
HC
Fantasia
William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
M Katherine
MK
Hutchinson
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D000066511:Intimate Partner Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult