The Impact of Interpersonal Violence on Health Care

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Child maltreatment

Child maltreatment as defined by the CDC8 includes all types of abuse of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person of custodial care such as a member of the clergy, coach, or teacher. The four types of abuse include (1) physical abuse or the use of force, such as hitting, kicking, shaking, burning, or other show of force; (2) sexual abuse and engaging in sexual acts, including fondling or exposing a child to sexual acts; (3) emotional abuse, including harm to the

IPV

IPV has a profound impact on health care. As previously stated, it accounts for 8.3 billion dollars in health care expenditures. IPV occurs between two persons in a close relationship. CDC4 defines an intimate partner as a current or former spouse or dating partner. The WHO1 identifies four types of IPV behavior. These include (1) physical violence in which a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or any type of physical force; (2) sexual violence, such as forcing a

Elder maltreatment

Increased life expectancy, attributable to advances in medical technology, has contributed to the increased number of older adults in the United States. Elder abuse and maltreatment have become more prevalent. In 2004, Adult Protective Services reported a 16% increase from their previous 2000 survey of all 50 states.7 Previously, in other generations, older adults were cared for by their extended family who shared in the responsibilities. Elder abuse may be attributed to societal changes, such

Preventing Child Maltreatment

The ultimate goal of preventing child maltreatment is to institute strategies that support parents, programs to provide family social support, and positive parenting. Positive parenting skills include responding to a child’s needs, good communication, and appropriate discipline.8 Rosenberg and colleagues3 cited the importance of the following to help decrease child maltreatment: reduction of unintended pregnancies, prenatal care, treatment programs for children of violence, preschool enrichment

Summary

Interpersonal violence is prevalent in our society. Unfortunately, given the current stressors on individuals, families, and communities, the incidences of child abuse, IPV, and elder abuse are increasing. The economic impact on health care costs is significant. There are many contributing factors to abuse and they are all public health issues that must be addressed for these abuses to cease. The literature indicates that the profile of a perpetrator of abuse is a person who might have

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References (13)

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