Forensic identification and documentation of patients experiencing intimate partner violence

Forensic identification and documentation by family physicians of patients experiencing IPV is an essential component of an overall safety plan that victims of abuse can use to break the cycles of family violence. Thorough, accurate, unbiased forensic documentation of an abused patient's history and physical findings is now a standard of care that includes documenting appropriate community-based referrals counseling, advocacy, and shelter referrals.