Phrase questions in a nonjudgmental way. Offer support and safety. Encourage victims to make their own choices and decisons. Medical personnel should assess their own attitudes and perceptions regarding domestic violence. Medical personnel should screen all patients for domestic abuse.
Patient is reluctant to speak or disagree in front of the abuser.
Patient fails to make direct eye contact. Patient or abuser minimizes extent of injuries. Abuser insists on accompanying patient, answers all questions, and refuses to leave the treatment area. Overt display of jealousy, obsession, or possessiveness by the abuser. Injuries to the head, neck, chest, breasts, and abdomen.