Impact of an Intimate Partner Violence Training on Home Visitors’ Perceived Knowledge,Skills,and Abilities to Address Intimate Partner Violence Experienced by Their Clients

Abstract

Aims. The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the effects of a statewide intimate partner violence (IPV) training on home visitors’ perceived knowledge, skills, and abilities to address IPV experienced by their clients and (2) examine home visitors’ perceived barriers to addressing IPV during client home visits. Methods. In 2015, five equivalent, daylong IPV trainings were held throughout West Virginia. Attendance was mandatory for all home visitors in the state. Pre- and posttraining surveys were administered to every attendee (N = 125). The surveys assessed home visitors’ perceived knowledge, skills, and abilities to address IPV experienced by their clients and perceived barriers to addressing IPV during a client home visit. Results. The results showed (1) home visitors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities significantly improved from pre- to posttraining (all p < .05) and (2) the most commonly reported barriers to addressing IPV were “the partner is present for the visit” (86.2%), “worried that asking may risk my relationship with my client” (30.2%), “not sure how to ask questions without seeming too intrusive” (25.9%), and “worried about upsetting the client” (21.6%). Conclusions. Our findings highlight the immediate positive effects of an IPV training on home visitors’ professional capabilities to address IPV experienced by clients and the most prevalent barriers home visitors face when addressing IPV that should be targeted in future health education interventions.