Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Potential Pitfalls
1. The assumption that IPV occurs in isolation – if there are children in the household, they are also involved.
2. The presenting caregiver must be the victim – this is not always the case.
3. The motivation to seek care is not always to end the abuse!
4. Though the history obtained may be plausible – verify with a comprehensive evaluation of the children.
Accessible Version
In this case, like many others, a reasonable outcome was achieved. However, so many questions remain.
To ensure that we are able to address as many of these questions in real time, if possible,
potential pitfalls of this case must be highlighted. This includes:
The assumption that IPV occurs in isolation. If there are children involved in the household, they are also involved. No matter, again, if there is a report that the children were not involved.
There is an assumption that the presenting caregiver must be the victim. This is not always the case.
And please be aware that the motivation to seek care is not always to end abuse. There may be other motivations at play, especially when IPV is involved.
And last, though the history obtained may be plausible, please verify with a comprehensive evaluation of the children and collaborating with our child protection specialists.
Thank you for your completion of this module.