Sociodemographic Characteristics and Patterns of Physical Injury Associated with Intimate Partner Violence in Married Women Presenting to the Emergency Department in Israel
2Orthopedic B Department, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Israel
Background:
The presentation to the emergency department (ED) of married women injured by physical violence perpetrated by their intimate partner is a grave problematic phenomenon that has yet to be thoroughly diagnosed. Typical sites of injury, as well as the characteristics of the injured women, are not fully known. Hence, the purpose of the current study was to examine the features of injuries sustained by married women presenting at the ED due to intimate partner violence (IPV). Differences between patterns of injury among Jewish and Arab women were also examined.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted, analyzing 145 cases of married women injured by their intimate partners and presenting at the ED.
Results:
Most of the injuries were to the head and hands. The women’s age and ethnicity were found to affect the number of injuries, their severity and site.
Conclusion:
This information will help enhance the diagnosis of women affected by IPV and will facilitate their physical and mental health.