Screening for Intimate Partner Violence in College Health Settings: A Brief Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Research and Practice

This brief review proposes a set of empirically based recommendations for the development and implementation of screening measures for intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA) in campus health settings. We synthesize the current literature on IPV/SA screening practices on college campuses. Given the limited research available on this topic, we also draw on work related to IPV screeners in general health care settings and campus climate surveys. There is limited research on IPV/SA screening practices for college campuses. Findings indicate that IPV/SA screening practices are rare and inconsistent in student health care settings. In addition, there are methodological limitations regarding the utility of general population screeners in college health settings. Recommendations for IPV college screeners are provided and address administration, content, and organizational structure.