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The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recognizes violence as a major public health concern. Violence occurs in the context of a broad range of human relationships and complex interaction that encompasses social, cultural, and economic risk factors, including but not limited to the influence of the media, substance use, interpersonal violence (including sexual and intimate partner violence), fragmentation of family life, availability of weapons, and the rise of gangs and youth violence. Exposure to violence and abuse has been associated with death and severe physical and mental health outcomes.
Violence disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as women, children, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and intersex individuals, and those living in poverty, among others.
Family physicians should follow all appropriate screening recommendations for patients at increased risk for intimate partner violence. To support their patients who are survivors of violence or are at risk, family physicians need to be aware of the various manifestations of violence, risk factors related to violence, availability of resources and services for survivors of violence and their families. The AAFP also encourages members to become involved in efforts to reduce violence through advocacy and education, as well as partnerships with law enforcement and community-based organizations. Family physicians should follow recommendations to screen patients for intimate partner violence in order to support their patients who are survivors of violence or are at risk, family physicians need to be aware of the various manifestations of violence, risk factors related to violence, and the availability of resources and services for survivors of violence and their families. The AAFP also encourages members to become involved in efforts to reduce violence through advocacy and education, as well as partnerships with law enforcement and community-based organizations.
(1987) (October 2023 COD)