Updated USPSTF guidance on intimate partner violence screening

When providing care for individuals of reproductive age, including patients who are pregnant and postpartum, please be aware of the latest U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidance on screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) — as well as the recommended screening tools and other resources available to you. 

Defined as physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression (including coercive tactics, such as limiting access to financial resources), or stalking by a current or former spouse or dating partner, IPV affects individuals of all ages and racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

There are several screening tools that you can use within the primary care setting to assess patients for current or recent IPV. Examples include the following questionnaires:

• Humiliation, Afraid, Rape, Kick (HARK) 
• Hurt, Insult, Threaten, Scream (HITS) 
• Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) 

The results of these or other questionnaires and screening tools can help providers identify individuals who are impacted by IPV and appropriately plan for next steps including intervention as well as emotional and behavioral health support services.

To learn more about IPV research, prevention, and resources for providers and patients, refer to:

• The CDC’s Intimate Partner Violence Prevention: Resource for Action report 
• The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Essential Health Care Services Addressing Intimate Partner Violence report
• The US Department of Veterans Affairs’ Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program 

We also encourage you to direct patients to their member plan documents for information on domestic violence advocacy groups, trauma-informed care, privacy and confidentiality, and support services.