Intimate partner violence (IPV), defined as physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression by a current or former intimate partner, is a pervasive public health problem impacting 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men in the US. 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 are an important resource for families experiencing IPV and should be aware of the profound effects of exposure to IPV on children. This page provides resources for pediatricians to recognize and support IPV survivors and their children.


Intimate Partner Violence Overview

Intimate partner violence (IPV) - abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship, is a significant public health issue. About 35% of female IPV survivors and more than 11% of male IPV survivors experience some form of physical injury related to IPV. IPV can also result in death.

Violence in an adolescent relationship or teen dating violence (TDV) is a type of intimate partner violence that affects millions of young people in the United States and can take place in person, online or through technology.

IPV is harmful to both; those who experience it and to children in the home who witness it. Witnessing IPV is an adverse childhood experience (ACE) and can have harmful effects on mental, physical, and behavioral health across a child’s lifespan. These include a range of conditions affecting the heart, digestive, reproduction, muscle and bones and nervous systems, many of which are chronic. Survivors can experience mental health problems such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and are at higher risk for engaging in behaviors such as smoking, binge drinking and sexual risk behaviors.

Recognizing and supporting caregivers who experience IPV may be one of the most effective means of preventing child adversity. This page provides information on the Academy’s research, education, policy and advocacy initiatives related to intimate partner violence and is intended to support pediatricians and public health professionals to help support families experiencing violence in the home.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7 to get connected with a live advocate. Visit www.thehotline.org for more information and assistance.

AAP Recommendations

The AAP provides guidance and recommendations to support pediatricians addressing families experiencing intimate partner violence.


Practice Tools & Resources

View practical resources for health professionals to address intimate partner violence in pediatric settings. 

CUES: Confidentiality, Universal Education + Empowerment, Support

CUES is an evidence-based intervention to address domestic and sexual violence in healthcare settings – shown to improve health and safety outcomes for survivors. Click here for resources to support the implementation of CUES in pediatric settings, including video case vignettes.

Practical Tools for Supporting IPV Survivors in Pediatric Settings

View sample scripts and case vignettes which may be helpful in navigating conversations with patients and families in your community.

Improving services for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) survivors during the pandemic

Learn more about the effects of the pandemic on families experiencing IPV and get resources to support families and educate others.

Short Video Series – Quick Facts about Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

This series of short videos provides important information about IPV for pediatricians and other pediatric health care providers.

“In the Words of an IPV Survivor” Video Series

Erin, a mother and a survivor of intimate partner violence, shares her experiences and talks about the important role that her pediatrician played in her healing journey.

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Additional AAP Resources

Learn more about trauma-informed care and child abuse and neglect and view guidance and additional resources.

Trauma-Informed Care
Learn more about the prevention, identification, assessment and response to trauma.
Child Abuse and Neglect
View guidance and resources for pediatricians and pediatric healthcare providers to help identify children who are victims of child abuse and neglect and ways to prevent it.


National Resources and Community Collaboration

Learn about resources in the community and building partnerships with IPV services advocates to support survivors of IPV and their children.

 

Preparing to Support Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence and Their Children During Public Health Emergencies

Survivors of IPV and their children are often overlooked when it comes to emergency preparedness planning. Organizations can utilize this resource to inform their own emergency plans, based on the unique populations that they serve.

AAP Chapter Partnerships with Domestic Violence Coalitions

Three AAP Chapters were awarded funding to enhance partnerships with domestic violence coalitions. Click here to learn more about their projects.

National Domestic Violence Hotline Provider Search

Click here to search the comprehensive directory of service providers, and access a list of domestic violence coalitions by state and territory.

Futures Without Violence

A health and social justice nonprofit with a simple mission: to heal those among us who are traumatized by violence today.

IPV Health

Learn more about cultivating partnerships between healthcare providers and domestic violence advocates to promote survivor’s health and safety.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

View information from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

View Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) resources from the CDC.

Supporting families

Educate parents and caregivers as well as the public about IPV and connect families who may be experiencing IPV to resources and support.

Stress and Violence at Home During Challenging Times
View information from HealthyChildren.org.
Sesame Street in Communities
Sesame Street in Communities contains tools and resources designed for children ages 0-6, covering a wide range of health-related topics (including tough issues such as violence and traumatic experiences).
LoveIsRespect.org
Love is Respect provides resources about preventing unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence, specifically tailored to young adults.

Legal consideration

Deciding when to report exposure to domestic violence is difficult. Learn more about when a child abuse report is needed and questions to consider to help think about services and safety planning that may help the family.

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This project was supported by the Cooperative Agreement Number, NU38OT000282, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The content of the website does not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by the CDC, or the U.S. Government.

Last Updated

01/24/2024

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics