This joint statement was developed cooperatively by the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses, the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta, and the Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Alberta. The three professional nursing groups recognize that family violence is a major public health concern facing society and believe that nurses have a significant role in addressing family violence. Defining Family Violence Family violence is assault by one family member against another. It is about power, manipulation, and control of one person over another.
Abuse occurs among all types of intimate relationships.
Family violence crosses social, racial, ethnic, religious, cultural, socioeconomic, and educational boundaries. The most prevalent report of abuse is that committed by men against women. Because of this prevalence toward women, all women, regardless of age, should be screened for abuse. It is well documented in the literature that pregnancy increases the likelihood of abuse. Men are also affected by partner abuse.