Introduction
Domestic violence is a debilitating behavior and a significant public health problem that affects both men and women. Although the latter group is impacted disproportionately, domestic abuse can occur in any relationship regardless of the age, marital, social, or economic status of the partners. It can also happen between former and current partners. It should be noted that domestic violence and intimate partner violence include physical and sexual abuse, financial mistreatment, harassment, stalking, as well as emotionally abusive and controlling behavior (Halliwell et al., 2019). Considering the extent and gravity of the problem and its impact on the affected populations, it is crucial to put forward adequate interventions to address the issue effectively. This review will examine and compare three articles on domestic violence interventions.
Discussion
The first article selected for the review concerns the problem of psychiatric service users’ experience with abuse by their partners. According to Trevillion et al. (2013), the issue of domestic violence is a crucial one and often occurs among patients with diagnosed psychiatric disorders. The authors emphasize that less than a third of abuse cases are detected by the providers of mental health services, leading to the vulnerable population remaining unprotected (Trevillion et al., 2013). The intervention is based on the data collected from several studies on domestic violence faced by psychiatric care users. Previous research indicates that clinicians often do not raise the issue of domestic abuse to avoid causing offense and creating false memories (Trevillion et al., 2013). However, the authors do not offer any key concepts from the previous literature on the topic.
The intervention employed and the research and analysis methods are described in detail. Trevillion et al. (2013) provide a comprehensive review of the step of the information campaign aimed at the clinicians and the procedures utilized to measure its effect on psychiatric care patients. The frequency and duration of the intervention are also described. The information on the qualifications of those providing the intervention is omitted. In the discussion of the results, key concepts and variables relating to the health and well-being of psychiatric care users and clinician knowledge are identified. The outcomes for both clinicians and patients are easily identifiable and conceptually tied to the stated problem. In summary, it should be noted that the study aimed to develop an intervention, and no hypothesis was proposed. However, the stated objectives of the study under investigation were reached.
The second article chosen for the review presents the results of a multi-site evaluation of the work of independent domestic violence advisors (IDVAs) in supporting domestic violence sufferers in hospital settings. Halliwell et al. (2019) aim to address the problem of domestic abuse in the population of patients visiting emergency departments and maternity services. The significance of the problem is well-outlined, with a comprehensive description of the effect of abuse on the mental and physical health of the victims. It should be noted that the theoretical foundation of the research study is thoroughly described in the background section; however, key concepts relevant to the intervention are not clarified. Halliwell et al. (2019) collected data on domestic violence interventions carried out in hospital and community settings, with the measures employed to assess them described in detail. The duration and frequency of the employed interventions are described in detail.
The article aims to answer several research questions concerning the work of IDVAs, including their qualifications, roles, and responsibilities, as well as their impact on domestic violence victims. The cost-effectiveness of IDVA hospital services is also carefully considered. The key concepts and variables are identified within the research questions and are examined in more detail in the discussion section of the article. It should be noted that no hypothesis was provided in the report. Nevertheless, the outcomes, such as physical and mental health outcomes and healthcare services use, are easily identifiable and are conceptually tied to the discussed problem.
The third article in the review examines a novel e-health intervention for female victims of intimate partner violence. Gelder et al. (2020) note that the problem of domestic abuse is most prevalent among women. The significance of the issue is highlighted by stating that almost one in three women worldwide suffers from domestic violence, with many struggling with admitting to it to friends, family, or medical professionals. The theoretical foundation of the article is comprehensive, with the key concepts, such as physical and mental health, well outlined. The mechanism of action or the effect of abuse on the health and well-being of the victims is also discussed. Gelder et al. (2020) provide a detailed description of the structure of the proposed e-health intervention. The frequency and duration of the intervention are not given as they may vary for different participants. It is noted that community managers manage the e-health website, but no other qualifications of those providing the intervention are stated.
Thus, the article aims to determine the efficiency and feasibility of the proposed e-health intervention; however, no hypothesis was posed by the authors. The key concepts, variables, and outcomes are well-developed and described throughout the article. Specifically, the authors consider the impact on mental health and self-awareness as the primary variables in the study. Overall, all variables and outcomes are consistent with the stated problem.
Conclusion
In summary, domestic violence and abuse present a substantial public health problem for different societies worldwide. It affects both men and women regardless of their life circumstances and status and can adversely impact their physical and mental health and well-being. The discussed research articles dedicated to domestic abuse interventions examine different approaches to advocacy and present a clear description of the intervention steps, measures, and outcomes.
References
Gelder, N. E., Van Rosmalen-Nooijens, K. A., A Ligthart, S., Prins, J. B., Oertelt-Prigione, S., & Lagro-Janssen, A. L. (2020). SAFE: An eHealth intervention for women experiencing intimate partner violence – study protocol for a randomized controlled trial, process evaluation and open feasibility study. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1–8. Web.
Halliwell, G., Dheensa, S., Fenu, E., Jones, S. K., Asato, J., Jacob, S., & Feder, G. (2019). Cry for health: A quantitative evaluation of a hospital-based advocacy intervention for domestic violence and abuse. BMC Health Services Research, 19(1), 1–12. Web.
Trevillion, K., Byford, S., Cary, M., Rose, D., Oram, S., Feder, G., Agnew-Davies, R., & Howard, L. M. (2013). Linking abuse and recovery through advocacy: An observational study. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 23(1), 99–113. Web.