Pre-hospital provider recognition of intimate partner violence

The leading risk factor of morbidity and mortality in Victorian women aged between 15 and 45 years is intimate partner violence (IPV) (approximately 8 times than that of smoking). Paramedics are frequently the first point of contact for victims of IPV. Due to this unique viewpoint, paramedics have the advantage of potentially identifying and reporting IPV, which can then result in early intervention. This article will summarise the literature regarding pre-hospital provider knowledge of IPV.