'Although most social work professionals may expect that women who experience partner violence will sustain acute physical injuries, social workers may be less knowledgeable about the chronic health problems with which violence survivors often struggle. To inform social work practice, we reviewed and synthesized the recently Published research oil health outcomes associated with partner violence victimization,' scientists writing in the journal Social Work report (see also Mental Health).
'We focused our review efforts on chronic physical and mental health conditions that social workers are likely to see in their practices. Using rigorous selection criteria, we selected 28 articles for review from over 3,500 found in our search.The review showed that althOLI-h -,NIOIIICII who experience partner violence are likely to seek health services, they have poor overall physical and mental health, and their health needs are not addressed sufficiently by current health and human service systems,' wrote R.J. Macy and colleagues, University of North Carolina.
The researchers concluded: 'We offer social work practice, policy, and research recommendations to encourage comprehensive services that promote women's health and safety.'
Macy and colleagues published their study in Social Work (Partner Violence and Survivors' Chronic Health Problems: Informing Social Work Practice. Social Work, 2009;54(1):29-43).
Additional information can be obtained by contacting R.J. Macy, University of North Carolina, School Social Work, Tate Turner Kuralt Bldg, 301 Pittsboro St., Chapel Hill, NC 27510, USA.
The publisher of the journal Social Work can be contacted at: National Association Social Workers, 750 First St., NE, Ste. 700, Washington, DC 20002-4241, USA.
Keywords: United States, Chapel Hill, Mental Health, University of North Carolina.
This article was prepared by Women's Health Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Women's Health Weekly via NewsRx.com.
