Urban or Rural? The Risks for Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a critical issue within the United States. According to the CDC as of 2010 one in four women experience intimate partner violence each year. Initmate partner violence is defined as “actual or threatened psychological, physical, or sexual harm by a current or former partner or spouse” (Weil, 2022). IPV victims lack resources in both rural and urban areas. These include limitations to support systems, stigma of abuse, transportation barriers, and geographical isolation. Building relationships with healthcare providers and organizations can lead to an increased trust from victims, increased reporting from survivors, and providing victims with the necessary resources they need (Rural Health Information, 2021). The purpose of this Evidence-Based Practice review is to examine if women in the United States are at higher risk for IPV in rural areas compared to urban areas. The results of this review may provide insight into which geographic areas are more susceptible to intimate partner violence. Nurses and other healthcare providers can use this information to be more aware of the prevalence of IPV in their areas, to take the steps to perform proper screening, and to reach out for resources for victims.