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HARK intimate partner violence screen

Four-item screen for intimate partner violence in the past year.

HARK intimate partner violence screen
Humiliated or emotionally abused by a partner in the past year
Been afraid of a partner in the past year
Forced to have sexual activity by a partner in the past year
Kicked, hit, slapped, or otherwise physically hurt by a partner in the past year
Result0 points

No positive responses on this screen.

When to use

  • Screening women in primary care for intimate partner violence over the preceding year.

Formula

One point for each 'yes' across Humiliation, Afraid, Rape, Kick. Range 0-4; any point (>=1) is a positive screen.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Screen privately, never with the partner present, and have referral pathways ready before asking.

References

  1. Sohal H, Eldridge S, Feder G. BMC Fam Pract. 2007;8:49.