A review on the role of radiology in diagnosing intimate partner violence: Lessons for the radiology workforce in Sub-Saharan Africa

Objectives

Empirical literature posits that the prevalence of intimate partner violence in sub-Saharan Africa is high. Radiology plays a vital role in identifying and managing victims of intimate partner violence by providing a way to factually evaluate injuries in a way less restricted by psychological and screening barriers. However, there remains a limited exploration on the role of radiology departments in responding to intimate partner violence in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to explore literature on the role of radiology in intimate partner violence screening and detection and how those could apply in radiology departments in African countries.

Key findings

Health professionals within the radiology department can play vital roles in detecting intimate partner violence victims. Such injuries may present as soft-tissue abnormalities, acute, sub-acute, chronic injuries, or age-indeterminate fractures which can be objectively assessed using various Medical Imaging modalities. Understanding the differences between intimate partner violence related injuries and accidental trauma can aid in identifying mismatches between provided clinical histories and imaging findings to support suspicion. To maximise the role of radiology in intimate partner violence detection, radiology professionals may need adequate training to contribute effectively.

Conclusion

The African radiology workforce can be part of a multidisciplinary team and may serve as a great support to clinicians in raising suspicion and/or identifying victims of intimate partner violence with appropriate training and effective screening and detection systems.

Implication for practice

This study can help stakeholders involved in policy making and strategic planning to put measures in place to optimise detection systems across radiology departments in Africa. The study also provides data on the lapses that may be required to strategically position radiology departments in screening and detection schemes in Africa.