Predicting Future Injury Among Women in Abusive Relationships

Study Objective: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major cause of injury and death among women, and it is a problem with significant relevance to health care providers. In this study, we examined risk factors for IPV-related injury within 9 months of an index episode of abuse in a population of police- or court-identified victims of IPV.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of 354 women in abusive relationships. The outcome measured was injury within 9 months. Stepwise logistic regression was used for the statistical analysis.

Results: Two factors were found to be independently associated with increased risk of injury: victim's lack of full-time employment (RR 3.47, 95% CI 1.43-8.41) and physical abuse on the index incident date (RR 3.06, 95% CI 1.16-8.06).

Conclusions: By questioning our patients about these issues, we can begin to identify the complex risk factors that predispose women in abusive relationships to future injury.