Providing education and resources to staff working with adult victims of intimate partner violence experiencing homelessness

Abstract

<p><strong>Background</strong>: Homelessness impacts over half a million individuals in the United States and increases the risk of physical, emotional, social, and financial distress, potentially leading to violence, abuse or harm. Individuals experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) are at an increased risk of becoming homeless. Homeless shelters in Duluth, MN, without specific IPV focus, do not have formal IPV training in place. The goal of this project was to educate staff and volunteers at a warming center in Duluth, MN on how to identify IPV, implement an evidence-based screening tool, and provide appropriate resource referrals to victims of IPV.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Synthesis and analysis of supporting literature</strong>: The literature revealed few studies having investigated the correlation between homelessness and IPV. Along with the current literature, The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model (JHNEBP) and the Transcultural Nursing Theory helped guide the use of the Partner Violence Safety (PVS) screening tool.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Project implementation</strong>: Training on IPV identification, screening and utilizing a resource referral algorithm was provided to staff members. Pre and post-implementation assessments were utilized to assess knowledge and confidence levels.</p> <p><strong>Evaluation criteria</strong>: Data collected from the pre and post-knowledge and confidence assessments was analyzed using Intellectus statistical software. This project&rsquo;s success is measured by statistical significance through alpha and p-value comparison.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Outcomes</strong>: Although the data revealed improvement in knowledge scores from an average of 78.25 % to 82.25%, no statistical significance was proven (p-value = 0.247). Despite this, confidence scores improved in all five categories revealing the positive impact of an IPV educational program.</p> <p><strong>Recommendations</strong>: Further research of IPV within homelessness is warranted. Implementing an educational program, along with the PVS screening tool and resource referral algorithm is recommended at all homeless shelters.</p>