Purpose & Scope

•    The overall purpose of this guideline is to facilitate routine universal screening for intimate partner violence by nurses in all practice settings. The intended outcome is increased opportunity for disclosure, which will promote health, well-being, and safety for women.
•    The scope of this guideline is on screening women for intimate partner violence. The guideline includes all women in intimate relationships, 12 years of age or older and identifies:
•    Who should do the screening; 
•    What should be included in screening; and 
•    How and under what circumstances screening should occur. 
•    While it is recognized that men may also be victims of intimate partner violence, the incidence, nature and impact of that violence is more severe for women.