Educational interventions for intimate partner violence: Guidance from survivors

OBJECTIVE: Previous research suggests that health care providers' assumptions about the content and marketing of intimate partner violence (IPV) materials are not always correct and may do harm. This study sought to determine what mothers with histories of IPV identify as important information to communicate about IPV and how it should be presented in a pediatric emergency department. METHODS: This qualitative study used English- and Spanish-speaking focus groups for data collection and a grounded theory approach for data analysis. Initial focus groups elicited opinions on content, appearance, and location of IPV material. After data analysis, IPV posters were developed. Follow-up focus groups provided feedback on the posters. RESULTS: Ninety-nine mothers with histories of IPV participated in 8 initial and 4 follow-up focus groups. Women felt information should be presented in a positive, hopeful manner. Key information desired was signs of IPV, effects of childhood IPV exposure, and available resources. Spanish-speaking groups desired that information that helps was available regardless of immigration status. Women cautioned that information regarding the effects of childhood IPV exposure should be presented in a nonjudgmental manner to minimize feelings of anger and guilt in mothers. Participants endorsed the distribution of IPV materials in many formats and locations but also worried that women might suffer retribution if perpetrators see IPV material. CONCLUSIONS: Passive educational interventions for IPV should present information about the signs of IPV, resources, and effects on children in a positive, hopeful manner. Materials directed toward Spanish-speaking victims should address the issue of immigration status.