RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 988 Intimate partner violence and networking: what role for health services? Strategy in Coimbra JF Injury Prevention JO Inj Prev FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP A351 OP A352 DO 10.1136/injuryprev-2016-042156.988 VO 22 IS Suppl 2 A1 Redondo, João A1 Fazendeiro, Anabela A1 Bombas, Teresa A1 Castela, Eduardo A1 Veiga, António A1 Pereira, Filipa A1 Mendes, Odete A1 Alarcão, Madalena A1 Monteiro, António A1 Armindo, Henrique A1 Garcia, Paula A1 Morais, Isabel A1 Batista, Emilia A1 Mota, Fátima A1 Cardoso, Natália A1 Sarmento, Vânia A1 Lemos, Rosário A1 Rosado, Sara A1 Morais, Generosa A1 Correia, Ana A1 Carvalho, Dulce A1 Teixeira, Lurdes A1 Dourado, Ana A1 Caldeira, Salomé A1 Jorge, António YR 2016 UL http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/22/Suppl_2/A351.3.abstract AB Background Violence by intimate partners (IPV) can be prevented and its impact reduced. This calls for to deal with violence from a public health perspective, according the ecological model, associated to a multidisciplinary and multisectoral networking approach. In Coimbra various sectors are working together from 2000, in tackling the problem of IPV. Health sector is an active and valuable ally in the global response to violence and brings a variety of advantages and assets to this work, from primary to terciary prevention, including programs for victims and perpetrators.Description of the problem IPV is a serious problem that occurs in all countries, among heterosexual or same-sex couples. The consequences are profound, extending beyond the health and happiness of individuals to affect the well-being of entire communities.Results Our strategies are addressed to prevention (al all levels). We deal with violence taking steps to understand the range of factors that put people at risk for violence and protect them from experiencing or perpetrating violence. Our fundamental goal is to stop IPV before it begins. Networks “Violence´s Group: Information, Research, Intervention” (2002), “School Against Violence” (2007), along with the training of 480 professionals (health, other sectors) in our region (2009–2012), in the area of prevention of IPV, are examples of our networking strategy. The Family Violence Unit, UVF (2004) - CHUC, integrates both networks; of the 1400 cases (2/3 women, 1/3 men) at UVF, we did not record any murder to date. Our strategy is recognised at regional and national levels.Conclusions We believe that prevent efforts associated to investigation and a networking strategy (from micro to macrosystem, throughout the life cycle), at individual, family, community, and political levels, are one of the keys to prevent IPV.