Nurse-Family Partnership Takes Their IPV Assessment Skills Further

By Liset Villalobos

Nurse-Family Partnership is dedicated to supporting families and ensuring client safety through the provision of resources and the completion of comprehensive safety assessments. A critical component of this work includes assessing for intimate partner violence (IPV), which is known to place both mothers and children at significant risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41% of women have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime, with 70% reporting their first experience before the age of 25. Additionally, one in three adolescents in the United States has experienced some form of dating violence.

In response to these risks, our team will enhance their assessment capabilities by participating in a two-part DANGER Assessment training, starting June 26. This evidence-based tool evaluates the severity and frequency of IPV over the past year and assesses the level of danger a client faces, including the risk of homicide by an intimate partner — a harsh reality faced by many of the high-risk families we serve. By equipping our nurse home visitors with the skills and confidence to identify potential safety concerns, we can respond effectively and ensure that mothers receive the timely, informed, and compassionate care they need.