Guideline 13: Longstanding conflict within the family

Specific Strategies

If abuse is suspected, follow appropriate reporting guidelines

• Family abuse can take many forms, including intimate partner abuse, child abuse, and elder abuse. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or neglectful ⁶⁹.
• If abuse is suspected:
  • Try to get more information about the nature (e.g. physical, sexual, emotional, economic, neglect) and extent of the abuse.
  • Document any evidence of abuse.
  • Follow appropriate State/Territory guidelines for managing and reporting abuse.
  • Australian clinicians can consult the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Clinical Guidelines on Abuse and Violence (White Book) for more information http://www.racgp.org.au/your-practice/guidelines/whitebook/