At the very least, emergency departments need to assess the situation and to provide the victim with safety and legal resources. Always try to provide written information and documents to the victim. If there are decisions that cannot be made that day, let the victim know that he or she can come back to see a healthcare provider later. Most states do not have mandatory reporting laws for domestic abuse. A police report can be offered, but it is ultimately the victim's decision whether or not to involve the police.
Emergency departments maintain their own procedures.
For our emergency department there is a policy in place for any suspected victims of domestic abuse. When a suspected victim presents at triage, she will be asked a few questions and then she will be referred to social work. If there is not a social worker available to assist at that time, a series of interventions will still take place. Providers have a unique opportunity to help the victim. You want to try to stop the cycle of violence and make sure the victim is protected.