Acceptability and feasibility of trauma- and violence-informed care for intimate partner violence.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and child physical abuse frequently co-occur, yet IPV-exposed children are not routinely evaluated for abuse. Furthermore, IPV survivors often seek care for their children but not for themselves, making pediatric visits an opportunity to address IPV. We developed a trauma- and violence-informed care (TVIC)-based model that 1) evaluated IPV-exposed children and 2) linked survivor-caregivers to an IPV advocate. We aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the model.

PARTICIPANTS

Children < 3 who were reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) for exposure to IPV and their survivor-caregiver.

METHODS

To examine feasibility, we calculated the percentage of 1) eligible children evaluated and 2) caregivers who met with an IPV advocate during the child's visit and followed up with the advocate. To assess acceptability, we conducted qualitative interviews with 30/41 caregivers about their perceptions of the model.

RESULTS

From 7/1/20-6/30/22, 49 (22.7 %) of 216 eligible children were evaluated. Of 41 caregivers, six already were receiving IPV services; Of the remaining 35, 24 (68.6 %) met with an IPV advocate, and 22 (91.7 %) had ≥1 follow-up visit with an advocate. We identified three themes: 1) Motivations for the visit, 2) Engagement with the model, and 3) Benefits. Caregivers attended the visit due to behavioral concerns about the child and a desire to comply with CPS. Engagement occurred as medical providers established rapport and provided support without judgment. Benefits included recognizing the impact of IPV on the child and immediate linkage to advocacy services.

CONCLUSION

A TVIC-based model is feasible and acceptable and could improve caregivers' engagement with the evaluation of IPV-exposed children for abuse and with IPV services, which have the potential to improve safety and promote well-being.

Informations de copyright

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Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Conflict of interest Andrea Asnes reports that the Department of Pediatrics receives payment for her expert testimony in child abuse cases and that she receives grants from the State of Connecticut to support the Yale Child Abuse Programs. The other authors report no other financial or ethical conflicts of interest.