Health Impact of Interpersonal Violence 1: Prevalence Rates, Case Identification, and Risk Factors for Sexual Assault, Physical Assault, and Domestic Violence in Men and Women

Abstract

This integrated series of three articles deals with the relationship between interpersonal violence and health. In the first article, the scope of the problem, the prevalence of interpersonal violence, and information on rates of violent crime in specific subgroups of people are outlined. The role of the treating physician and other health professionals in failing to identify cases of assault-related illness is considered, as are the factors that place individuals at increased risk of assault. In the second article, the impact of interpersonal violence on physical and mental health is reviewed, and the results of basic and applied clincial research into acute and chronic emotional and physical sequalae are discussed. The third article includes an outline of implications for research, training, and clincial practice using behavioral techniques in treating victims of interpersonal violence.

Index Terms:

• assault
• health
• long-term effect
• medical services
• rape
• sexual violence
• victims

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dean G. Kilpatrick

Drs Acierno, Resnick, and Kilpatrick are with National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.