RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITIES: HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS: DO's and DON'TS


DO PROVIDE PRIVACY BY:
Talking with her without the abuser or family present. Informing her of any mandated reporting requirements before discussing her situation.		 DON'T VIOLATE CONFIDENTIALITY BY:
Interviewing her in front of her family or clinic staff. Talking to staff about confidential issues. Calling the police or contacting service providers without her consent.
DO CREATE A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT BY:
Assuring her that no one deserves to be abused. Affirming her choice to reveal her abuse to you. Telling her you're concerned. Reassuring her that she is not crazy.		 DON'T TRIVIALIZE THE ABUSE BY: Denying her sense of danger or refusing to acknowledge her feelings. Telling her it could be worse. Rushing her appointment, not listening, interrupting her story.
DO SEEK TO EDUCATE BY:
Providing her information about abuse and available resources. Telling her there are laws to protect her. Educating yourself and colleagues about domestic violence. 		DON'T ACCEPT SOCIAL MYTHS BY: Believing she must accept her place in the relationship. Denying that she could be a victim because she doesn't "look or act" like one.
DO HELP ENSURE SAFETY BY:
Asking her if she is in danger. Making sure she has the numbers of a shelter and local domestic violence agency before she leaves. Recognizing that leaving the abuser may be the most dangerous thing she could do.		 DON'T IGNORE SAFETY NEEDS BY: Refusing to take time to ask if she is abused. Not asking, "Is it safe for you to go home? Do you have a place to go if the situation escalates?"
DO RESPECT HER BY:
Helping her become an active participant in decision-making. Respecting her experiences and coping strategies. Being nonjudgmental. Avoiding the pitfall of "rescuing".		 DON'T DISRESPECT HER AUTONOMY BY:
"Prescribing" she leave her abuser, get divorced, get family counseling. Punishing her for not taking your advice. Talking to her like to a child.
DO ACCURATELY DIAGNOSIS /TREAT BY:
Asking her directly whether she has been injured by an assault. Recognizing the signs in her history and current symptoms. Referring her to appropriate resources in the health care organization and the community.		 DON'T FAIL TO DIAGNOSE BY: Writing her off as being noncompliant. Ignoring signs, symptoms of abuse. Giving her sedatives to "calm her down". Failing to respond to disclosure of abuse.

[home]
[healthcare] [intervention] [do's and don'ts] [model response ] [reference materials]

[about us][for communities]
[sitemap]