12 Jul USPSTF: Recommendations for Intimate Partner Violence Screening by Health Care Professionals

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Chelmow

Dr. David Chelmow, M.D.
Leo J. Dunn professor of obstetrics and
Chair of the Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine
Richmond, Virginia
Dr. Chelmow joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2022

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, affects millions of people in the United States and can have devastating consequences for one’s health and wellbeing. Clinicians can make a real difference for those affected—evidence shows that there are screening tools that can detect intimate partner violence in women, including those who are pregnant, as well as interventions that work to reduce future violence. As a result, the Task Force recommends that clinicians screen all women of reproductive age, including those who are pregnant and postpartum, for intimate partner violence and refer those who screen positive to ongoing services so they can get the care they need to stay safe.

The Task Force also recognizes that caregiver abuse of older and vulnerable adults is an important issue. Unfortunately, right now there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against screening for caregiver abuse and neglect of older and vulnerable adults, so we are calling for more research in these important areas.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: It is vital that clinicians support women of reproductive age, including those who are pregnant, by screening them for intimate partner violence and connecting those who need it with additional care. We’re confident that those who do screen positive can benefit from ongoing services that provide a range of emotional, social, and behavioral supports. The studies we reviewed showed that the most effective approaches included multiple components, such as frequent at-home visits, that help reduce intimate partner violence.

Intimate partner violence is also a serious issue for men, with nearly half of all men experiencing it in their lifetimes. However, there’s currently very limited evidence on screening and interventions to support men. At this time, we are unable to make a recommendation about screening men, and we are urgently calling for more research. Healthcare professionals should use their best judgment when deciding whether to screen men for intimate partner violence and whether to screen older or vulnerable adults for caregiver abuse.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?

Response: More evidence is needed on the accuracy of screening tools aimed at detecting abuse of older adults. We need more evidence about how these screening tools can be used in primary care. We are also calling for more research on screening tools and interventions that can help reduce intimate partner violence among men and among women who are not of reproductive age.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?

Response: This guidance only applies to people without recognized signs or symptoms. Healthcare professionals should evaluate any individual who has signs of abuse or who expresses concerns or reports symptoms of intimate partner violence and then connect them to the care they need to stay safe.

Citation:

Feltner C, Peat C, Asher GN, et al. Screening for Intimate Partner Violence and for Caregiver Abuse of Older or Vulnerable Adults: An Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA. Published online June 24, 2025. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.2449
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2835642

Rittenberg E, Covinsky KE, Grady D. Updated USPSTF Guidelines on Screening for Intimate Partner Violence and Caregiver Abuse. JAMA Intern Med. Published online June 24, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.3095
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2835668

US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Intimate Partner Violence and Caregiver Abuse of Older or Vulnerable Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. Published online June 24, 2025. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.9009
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2835641

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Last Updated on July 12, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD