Screening Tips

• Screen only in privacy with the client/patient
• Screen only after establishing a connection with the client/patient
• If you are unable to converse in the client/patient's language, use a professional interpreter or another professional as a translator
• Discuss confidentiality and any limits to confidentiality
• Present screening as routine
• Be calm, matter-of-fact, and non judgmental
• Gather behavioral descriptions of what happened
• Use open-ended questions initially
• Respectfully use the client/patient's language and vocabulary
• Listen

Sample Questions

• We know domestic violence is a very common problem. About 25% of women in this country are abused by their partners Are you being hurt physically, sexually or emotionally at home?
• Sometimes when people are depressed like you are, they are being hurt in the home, is this happening to you?
• I don't know if this is a problem for you, but many of the women I see as clients'patients are dealing with abusive relationships. Some are too afraid or uncomfortable to bring it up themselves. Are you being hurt at home in any way? Physically, sexually or emotionally?
• Some women think they deserve abuse because they have not lived up to their partners' expectations No matter what someone has or hasn't done, no one deserves to beaten. Physical abuse is against the law. Have you ever been hit or threatened because of something you did or didn't do?
• Did someone hit you?
• What is it like for you at home?
• Are you safe at home?
• Are you afraid of being hurt?
• I'm concerned that your symptoms may have been caused by someone hurting you, is someone hurting you?
• Has your partner ever forced you to have sex when you didn't want to?
• Has your partner ever tried to restrict your freedom or keep you from doing things that were important to you?
• Are you isolated from family and friends by your partner?
• Is your partner jealous? Does he/she accuse you of infidelity?
• Has your partner hit, slapped kicked or physically hurt you?