See also:
Violence (Position Paper)
Violence as a Public Health Concern
Violence, Media (Position Paper)
Violence, Bullying
Child Abuse
Family and Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse
Family violence is the intentional intimidation, abuse or neglect of children, adults or elders by a family member, intimate partner or caretaker in order to gain power and control over the victim. Abuse has many forms, including physical and sexual assault, emotional or psychological mistreatment, threats and intimidation, economic abuse and violation of individual rights. Many studies have shown that family violence will affect at least one third of the patients cared for by family physicians. It is imperative that family physicians be aware of the prevalence of violence in all sectors of society, be alert for its effects in their encounters with virtually every patient, be capable of providing an appropriate response when these issues are identified, and be able to work to prevent violence in patients who are at risk within their practices and communities.
All women, men and children are at risk for family violence. Abuse is a common and complex public health issue that requires the attention of family physicians dedicated to improving the health of this nation's families. Family physicians have a unique opportunity to help break the cycle of violence by working with families to prevent abuse. To do this, physicians can teach parenting and conflict resolution skills that promote respectful and peaceful personal relationships.
Specifically, all family physicians should be alert for risk factors as well as signs of family violence in each patient encounter. When opportunities for intervention present themselves, no family physician should ignore them. Family Physicians should evaluate each patient for domestic violence issues, and offer referral to anyone involved in a violent relationship of any kind to appropriate community and mental health resources.
Ultimately, by working in collaboration with others in the community, family physicians can help accomplish social change. So, too, can the AAFP by continuing its leadership role in organized medicine as it supports and trains its members in ways to effectively address the epidemic of family violence in America. (2002) (2004)
All women, men and children are at risk for family violence. Abuse is a common and complex public health issue that requires the attention of family physicians dedicated to improving the health of this nation's families. Family physicians have a unique opportunity to help break the cycle of violence by working with families to prevent abuse. To do this, physicians can teach parenting and conflict resolution skills that promote respectful and peaceful personal relationships.
Specifically, all family physicians should be alert for risk factors as well as signs of family violence in each patient encounter. When opportunities for intervention present themselves, no family physician should ignore them. Family Physicians should evaluate each patient for domestic violence issues, and offer referral to anyone involved in a violent relationship of any kind to appropriate community and mental health resources.
Ultimately, by working in collaboration with others in the community, family physicians can help accomplish social change. So, too, can the AAFP by continuing its leadership role in organized medicine as it supports and trains its members in ways to effectively address the epidemic of family violence in America. (2002) (2004)