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State of the Art 2
Intimate Partner Violence: Prevalence, Risk Factors, Consequences and Treatment
Donna E. Stewart MD, FRCPC
University Health Network Department of Psychiatry; University of Toronto, Canada
Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health problem with severe health
consequences. Mental health sequelae are common and psychiatrists need knowledge to identify and
appropriately treat patients who experience IPV.
Methods: Systematic literature review and WHO Clinical and Policy Guidelines.
Results: IPV prevalence figures vary widely internationally from 15-71% in WHO and PAHO surveys.
Risk factors are broad and cover individual, community and cultural factors, including gender inequality.
Mental health sequelae include depression, anxiety (+PTSD), sleep and eating disorders, chronic pain,
sexual disorders, self-harm and psychosis. There is poor adherence to recent WHO Clinical and Policy
Guidelines. Treatment of psychiatric consequences will be reviewed.
Conclusions: Psychiatrists and other mental health providers need to identify patients who experience
IPV and treat according to evidence-based guidelines.
References:
1. Stewart DE, MacMillan H, Wathen N. Intimate partner violence. Canadian Psychiatric Association
Position Paper. Can J Psychiatry. 2013 Jun;58(6): 1 - 15.
2. WHO: Responding to Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence Against Women. WHO
Clinical and Policy Guidelines. Geneva, 2013
