Service for Alleviating Intimate Partner Violence at the Siriraj Female STD Clinic

Abstract

 Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a form of family violence, which is a common condition and has long-term effects on the victims and their family members. IPV harms women’s health in both physical and mental aspects. Also, IPV relates to adverse sexual health, including unprotected intercourse, extramarital relationship, unplanned pregnancy, induced abortion and higher chance of having sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A survey at the Siriraj Female Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic was done by using two sets of screening tools: the Ongoing Abuse Screen (OAS) and Partner Violence Screen (PVS). The results showed that 39% of the clients were facing IPV. They were more common in women older than 20 years old, those who have been diagnosed with STIs for less than 12 months, those who started their latest partnership for less than or equal to 36 months. However, none of them sought for help or even contacted the Clinic. The most common abnormalities were non-specific vaginitis, genital herpes and pelvic inflammatory disease. IPV screening and developing clinical pathway for clients facing IPV were necessary to increase their quality of life. The practice guidelines recommend IPV screening and raising awareness of the fundamental right that all persons should not be subjected to violence. Multidisciplinary care, including doctor-in-charge, psychiatrist and social workers, plays pivotal roles in alleviating the problem. Moreover, many organizations have worked harmoniously to terminate the violence by providing easy access to assistance, legal act and long-term care. The Unit of Gynaecologic Infectious Diseases and Female STDs, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has collaborated with the Department of Psychiatry and the Siriraj Social Welfare to provide effective services for the clients.