How can we manage intimate partner violence better?

How can we manage intimate partner violence better?On 27 May 2016, the 69th World Health Assembly endorsed the global plan of action to strengthen the role of health systems within a national multisectoral response to address interpersonal violence, especially against women and children.[1] This landmark plan was adopted with a resolution (EB 138.R3) co-sponsored by 44 member states.It will promote the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including historic Goal 5 (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls), Goal 16 (promote peace, justice and inclusive societies) and Goal 3 (ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages).[1] These initiatives coalesce with, and will add to, attaining the objectives of the new Global Strategy for Women's, Children's, and Adolescents' Health.[1] The era of making excuses for not addressing sexual, domestic and child abuse effectively in clinical practice is over.These issues point to an evidence base and provide clinicians with current contextual approaches to providing care for intimate partner violence (IPV).They also offer insight into key dynamics within IPV, and the vital interface between IPV, HIV and mental health.Gordon [2] discusses practical steps for identifying and managing IPV against women.This is enhanced by her sensitive, insightful discussion of why women tend neither to report nor to leave their abusive partners and the multiple masked ways in which such patients present.Her extensive clinical experience guides the reader through dealing with IPV.This is complemented by Lopes's [3] in-depth guide to legal and support services.With a psychology background, and years of experience of non-governmental organisations, Lopes offers a vital understanding of the dynamics of IPV and provides a detailed account of how to secure a protection order within the vagaries of our current court system.Lopes also supplies helpful information regarding referral to shelters, complete with an updated contact list for shelters nationwide.An established working relationship with a social worker is critical, but when they are overloaded, it is important to utilise alternative referral resources.Furthermore, there appears to be little emphasis on, or resources provided for, prevention and early intervention programmes.It became clear from work in the Witzenberg area, Cape Winelands, South Africa, that children are routinely removed in cases where domestic violence is reported, thereby further traumatising both mother and children.[4] Woollett and Hatcher [5] explore key intersections between mental health, IPV and HIV and recommend that HIV care is recognised as an optimal entry point for identifying patients who are living with mental disorders and/or IPV.They introduce the concept of 'continuous trauma' , which marks a vital evolution in our understanding of trauma beyond post-traumatic stress disorder, where the traumatic stress is no longer current or real.