This document provides guidelines to enable general practitioners to identify partner abuse early on and initiate the appropriate response. The resource gives suggestions for responding to signs and symptoms of partner abuse, and encourages routine screening of patients for partner abuse. A four page reference pullout outlines the guiding principles of responding to partner abuse, gives a step-by-step recognition and response guide with flow chart, and lists the signs and symptoms of partner abuse. The document contains a number of appendices, including an abuse documentation form; examination diagrams; risk assessment resources; descriptions of referral agencies and support services; ways to support victims, including specific information for supporting Maori women; how to respond to perpetrators; developing safety plans; domestic violence-related legislation; and power and control wheels.

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