Abuse Severity Measure of Leserman et al

Description

The Abuse Severity Measure is an empirically based instrument for quantifying the severity of prior sexual and/or physical abuse. The severity of abuse can then be correlated with a person's current health status, which may be useful in developing strategies to improve the patient's physical and psychological condition. The authors are from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

NOTE: The measure was developed with women who had experienced abuse from male perpetrators. It should also be extendible to abused men and female perpetrators with modification of the specific questions.

Parameters:

(1) invasiveness of sexual abuse

(2) physical injuries associated with sexual abuse incidents

(3) physical abuse involving life-threatening incidents

Parameters	Findings	Points
invasiveness of sexual abuse	no sexual abuse	0
	touch abuse only	1
	rape	2
physical injuries associated with sexual abuse incidents	no injuries	0
	minor injuries	0
	serious physical injuries	2
physical abuse involving life-threatening incidents	none	0
	1 – 3 life threats	1
	>= 4 life threats	2

abuse severity measure =

= SUM(points for all 3 parameters)

Interpretation:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 6

• A high score is a strong predictor of current health status, with greater pain, functional disabilities and psychological distress.

To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.

Abuse Severity Measure of Leserman et al

Description

Specialty