General Tips:

• Provide a supportive and friendly environment.
• Conduct the interview in a private setting. Always ask the woman's partner to leave the room before asking about abuse. Never ask in front of the partner; this places a woman at an increased risk of danger.
• When possible conduct the interview in the woman's first language.
• Routinely ask all female patients 12 and over about abuse during health assessments i.e. "All women, 12 and up, are now being asked about physical, sexual or emotional abuse or violence. Have you ever been subjected to emotional or physical abuse by your partner, a loved one or someone you know?".
• When strong indicators of abuse are present, you may want to ask closed-ended questions, such as:
  - "Have you or do you ever feel afraid of your partner?"
  - "Have you ever been hit by your partner, spouse, parent or caregiver?"
• Some suggestions when there are signs of suspected abuse.
  - "In any relationship disagreements/conflict are common, how do you and your partner resolve a dispute?"
  - "Tell me about how things are going at home?"
  - "Has anyone ever forced you to do something you did not want to do? Who and when? Can you tell me about it?"
• When a woman discloses abuse, it is important that she is believed and not judged.

What to do if a woman discloses abuse:

• Address immediate health and safety concerns.
• Ask her if she feels safe.
• Assess and document health status.
• Provide information on services and organizations that can help.
• Listen to her.
• Ask if she has an emergency plan; if not, help her develop one.
• Offer to make a referral.
• If you believe a child is affected physically or emotionally by witnessing domestic violence, there is a duty to report the situation to the local Children's Aid Society.

What to do if a woman denies abuse when there are signs of abuse:

• Mention that certain injuries/factors cause you to think that she is being abused, and that you are concerned about her and the effects of her injuries.
• Offer print information on woman abuse and community resources, services and organizations that can assist her if she decides to leave the abuser or if she needs help. Information can be obtained from the Windsor Essex County Health Unit's Intake Nurse 519-258-2146 extx 1350.
• Tell her that you understand if she feels that she can't leave the relationship, but inform her about the dangers and the health effects of abuse.
• Ask her if she has an escape plan ready in case she decides to leave. If not, help her develop one.
• Document everything - provide a detailed description of her physical injuries, such as type, location as well as her emotional state.

Where to Go from Here:

• Provide information on the health effects of woman abuse and where abused women can go for help. Pamphlets, posters, and handouts can be obtained from the Windsor Essex County Health Unit. Display materials in waiting rooms, examination rooms, and in women's washrooms.
• Educate yourself and staff about community organizations available to help women in abusive situations i.e. shelters, counseling services, and victim services.
• If your practice, hospital, facility or organization doesn't have a protocol on screening for women abuse, adopt one.