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HITS intimate partner violence screen

Frequency-based four-item screen for partner abuse.

HITS intimate partner violence screen
Physically hurt you
Insult or talk down to you
Threaten you with harm
Scream or curse at you
Result4 points

Score below 11 on this screen.

Positive screen threshold
>=11

When to use

  • Screening adults for intimate partner violence using how often a partner engages in each behaviour.

Formula

Each item scored Never=1 to Frequently=5; sum the four items. Range 4-20; a total >=11 is a positive screen.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Ask in a private, safe setting; a positive screen calls for a safety assessment and referral.

References

  1. Sherin KM, Sinacore JM, Li XQ, et al. Fam Med. 1998;30(7):508-12.