Talking with Caregivers
Talking with all of your patients’ caregivers about safe, healthy relationships and how relationships affect health, (instead of relying on screening), can improve family health + safety and prevent violence.
Providing universal education in pediatric health care settings focuses on relationships and connection to resources for everyone.
What to do in every visit
Talk to all caregivers about safe and healthy relationships, as well as resources and support for themselves and others if violence is occurring.
What to do when you think IPV is happening
Universal education helps provide resources and support for everyone, including those who don’t disclose.
What to do when someone discloses
Disclosure is not the goal, but it may happen
Partner with advocates to support families
Make warm referrals to trusted family serving partners.
Pediatric health care providers can expand their care network for children and families by partnering with domestic/sexual violence advocates, family serving organization and culturally-specific community-based programs.
Mandatory Reporting to Mandatory Supporting
Studies show that mandatory reporting can sometimes do more harm than good, and is often a barrier to seeking support for survivors. Prioritizing healing-centered support in mandatory reporting can help mitigate harm, center child safety and promote survivor autonomy. Learn more.
Resources for Mandated Reporting:
Safe Documentation
Consider ways to increase safety when IPV is in the pediatric health record.
Stay up to date with the latest resources and information from the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence.