Characteristics and clinical applicability of the validated scales and tools for screening, evaluating and measuring the risk of intimate partner violence: systematic literature review (2003-2017)

Abstract

Introduction: several tools have been developed to objectively identify women who are experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). The objective of this systematic review is to identify and describe the properties and clinical usefulness of the validated tools for detecting IPV published in the past 15 years. Methods:a systematic review was performed of the bibliographic databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, ENFISPO, IME, CINHAL, CUIDEN and Cuidatge. The search was restricted to articles published in the past 15 years. It was broadened to include grey literature. The articles selected present tools for screening, evaluating and measuring the risk of IPV, along with information on the validation of the tool. They are either written in Spanish or English. Results: 536 articles were found in total, of which eight were excluded as they appeared in two different databases. A further 461 were excluded after reading the title and summary. 67 full articles were reviewed. 63 articles were finally included and 39 tools. Conclusion: this systematic review provides a big-picture perspective of validated IPV tools published since 2003. It can help health professionals and researchers choose the most appropriate tool for their specific purposes and context.