Which of the following is NOT commonly presented as an injury presentation in IPV?

• A. Head injuries
• B. Oral and dental injuries
• C. Strangulation injuries
• D. Pattern injuries

Answer: (A)

In evaluating injuries for intimate partner violence, some findings are particularly associated with abuse and help clinicians recognize patterns of harm. Strangulation injuries are a serious and recognized presentation in IPV, reflecting deliberate neck constriction and demanding careful assessment for both immediate danger and potential long-term harm. Oral and dental injuries are also commonly seen because blows to the mouth and face are frequent during abuse. Pattern injuries—marks shaped by objects used by the abuser, like belts, cords, or hands—are another well-recognized clue that points to intentional violence.

Head injuries, while they can occur in IPV, are not as consistently linked to abuse in clinical presentations and can arise from a variety of non-abusive mechanisms, making them less characteristic as an IPV injury pattern. Since the question asks for what is not commonly presented, head injuries fit that description better than the others.