A Socio-Ecological Model Approach to Understanding and Intervening for intimate Partner Violence

Background and Significance: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major health issue with an annual approximatation of 5.3 million women in the United States experiencing violence by an intimate partner. The adverse physical consequences of IPV include pain, injury, disability, STI/HIV infection and unwanted pregnancy. Adverse psychological and social outcomes include depression, PTSD, substance and drug abuse, suicide, and homicide. The annual economic costs of IPV are estimated at $5.8 billion, with $4.1 billion in direct medical and mental health care costs (CDC, 2012).

Purpose: To identify intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and societal factors influencing IPV and corresponding points of intervention that influence women's IPV experiences.

Theoretical framework: A socio-ecological model (SEM) provides a comprehensive framework for examining women's experiences of IPV, as this model recognizes the existence and interconnection of relationships between women and their environment. Influencing factors and points of intervention include several levels: 1) intrapersonal (sex, culture, age, socioeconomic position, depression, alcohol and substance abuse, etc.), 2) interpersonal (social support from family, friends, etc.), 3) community-mediating structures (neighborhoods), and 4) public policy laws that regulate or support health actions and practices for IPV prevention and intervention.

Conclusion: The SEM supports a public health approach that not only addresses individual women's risk of IPV but also focuses on the social and environmental systems that create conditions for IPV. A strong multi-levels emphasis promotes development of cross-sectional interventions for maximum effectiveness in preventing IPV (WHO, 2010).