Interpersonal Violence

Interpersonal violence (IV) is “the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, stunted emotional development, or deprivation [1]. IV occurs across the life course and threatens the life, health and happiness of thousands of persons each year in the United States. IV encompasses a wide range of incidents from child abuse and neglect by caregivers, youth violence (violence by adolescents and young adults aged 10 to 29 years), intimate partner violence, sexual violence, elder abuse, and gun violence. There is a limited evidence base regarding best strategies in teaching medical students how to screen for and address the needs of vulnerable populations affected by interpersonal violence. It is important that medical students understand and are prepared to take steps to address underlying individual, interpersonal, community and societal-level factors that increase the risk for violence among of vulnerable populations.