Intimate Partner Violence: Role of the Pediatrician

The American Academy of Pediatrics and its members recognize the importance of improving the physician's ability to recognize intimate partner violence (IPV) and understand its effects on child health and development and its role in the continuum of family violence. Pediatricians are in a unique position to identify IPV survivors in pediatric settings, to evaluate and treat children exposed to IPV, and to connect families with available local and national resources. Children exposed to IPV are at increased risk of being abused and neglected and are more likely to develop adverse health, behavioral, psychological, and social disorders later in life. Pediatricians should be aware of these profound effects of exposure to IPV on children and how best to support and advocate for IPV survivors and their children.

Automated summary

The American Academy of Pediatrics and its members acknowledge the significance of improving physicians' ability to identify intimate partner violence (IPV), understand its impact on child health and development, and recognize its role within the context of family violence. Pediatricians have a unique role in identifying IPV survivors, assessing and treating children exposed to IPV, and connecting families with local and national resources. Children exposed to IPV are at a heightened risk of abuse, neglect, and a wide range of adverse health, behavioral, psychological, and social consequences in the future. Pediatricians should be aware of these profound effects and provide support and advocacy for IPV survivors and their children.