mPOWERED System for Comprehensive Health Care Provider Focused Intimate Partner Violence Care

Intimate partner violence is a public health issue that disproportionally affects women living in sub-Saharan Africa. Health care providers frequently come into contact with women affected by intimate partner violence, since abused women make extensive use of health-care resources and are reported to be the most trusted professionals to disclose abuse to. Because health care providers are in a unique position to address the health needs of women who have experienced violence, mHealth systems to address intimate partner violence should target health care providers. In this paper we introduce the mPOWERED system for intimate partner violence care that will enable health care providers in sub-Saharan Africa to perform culturally sensitive screening and assessments, enhance their knowledge about intimate partner violence, document injuries, and refer patients to specialists for follow-up treatment and care. The mPOWERED system has the potential to positively impact the lives of abused women, their children, and families.