This reaction appears unwarranted. There were no reports of a reduction in numbers of appointments made as a result of the Violence Project. Every clinic involved in the study expressed concerns about the effect reports might have on client relationships. With training and by developing relationships with reporting agencies, these fears were alleviated. In fact, clinic staff reported that relationships with clients who took part in the survey actually grew stronger as a greater level of trust was established.
Informed consent is a very important part of the assessment process.
No minor client should ever be asked questions related to abuse without having read a statement indicating that a report may be made to the appropriate agency if abuse is disclosed. Every woman who disclosed abuse during the Project did so knowing that a report could be made, and it is likely that some who were being abused chose not to answer the questions truthfully. If a client chooses to disclose, she may want help. She probably would not have disclosed if she did not feel some degree of trust. She has been keeping a secret, maybe for a long time, and to finally tell someone is frightening.