Domestic Abuse

Question 1

What is domestic abuse

Answer 1

Domestic abuse is any form of abuse which might amount to criminal conduct which takes place within the context of a relationship

Question 2

Who are the at risk groups for domestic abuse

Answer 2

• Women
• Younger age group (16-24)
• Long term illness/disability (doubles the risk)
• Mental health problem
• Woman who are separated
• Pregnancy

Question 3

How should you manage domestic abuse

Answer 3

AVDR
Ask
Validate
Document
Refer

Question 4

How should you ask a patient about domestic abuse

Answer 4

• Ask patient if everything is okay, ask if anyone has hurt them, explain you are worried about them, ask them if they feel safe
• Don’t ask infront of other people
• Use non-judgemental language

Question 5

How should we validate a patient with domestic abuse

Answer 5

• Aim is to show concern
• Remove any blame and show them that you believe them and that you are taking this seriously
• ‘You do not deserve to be hurt or hit no matter what’
• ‘I am concerned about your safety’
• Even if the patient denies abuse you should still do this as it may allow them to realise that they are in a dangerous situation

Question 6

What should we document for a patient suffering from domestic abuse

Answer 6

• Be specific and detailed
• Use the persons own words as well as clinical notes
• Describe injury in as much detail as possible

Question 7

Where should we signpost patients with domestic abuse

Answer 7

• The patient must be the one to take action
• Even if your patient does not seem keen or denies any abuse you should still offer as they may think about it
• Can give card with organisation details
  e.g freephone national domestic abuse helpline