Oral

Intimate partner violence and domestic abuse are the cause of mental, sexual and physical health problems for many women. This session will explore the various cause and effect relationships of intimate partner violence among several demographics and vulnerable populations. Disabled females are disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence, as well as minority women including women from the Dominican Republic. The sexual health implications related to domestic violence include an increased risk of contracting an STI from an intimate partner due to the partner’s tendency to have been diagnosed with an STI in the past. Recent studies have begun to focus on the psychological and mental health effects of domestic abuse, including the link to unemployment. Findings from this session’s speakers suggest the need for further understanding of abused women and their situations, a call for comprehensive services for victims of domestic abuse and policy changes to better protect them.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe differences in intimate partner violence for women with disabilities compared to those without. 2. Understand the association between a man’s sexual risk behavior and intimate partner violence perpetration. 3. Discuss the policy implications of the negative consequences of intimate partner violence. 4. Identify the health needs of abused women.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing