Responding to Domestic Abuse - Guidelines for Health Care Workers in NHSScotland

RESPONDING TO DOMESTIC ABUSE - GUIDELINES FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN NHSSCOTLAND

ANNEX C: QUESTIONS TO ASK

The following are examples of follow-up questions to ask when domestic abuse is suspected. The questions are intended as prompts - it will not be necessary to ask all of them and they should not be used as a checklist. In particular, the questions tend to focus on evidence of physical assault and injury, but many women, who routinely access health care services and who are experiencing domestic violence, will not have physical evidence of injuries at the time.

• I noticed a number of bruises/cuts/scratches/burn marks: how did they happen?

• Do you ever feel frightened of your partner or other people at home?

• Does your partner ever treat you badly, such as shout at you, constantly call you names, push you around or threaten you?

• Have you ever been in a relationship where you have been hit, punched, hurt in any way? Is that happening now?

• Some women tell me that their partners are cruel, sometimes emotionally and sometimes physically hurting them - is this happening to you?

• We all argue at home. What happens when you and your partner argue or disagree?

• Has you partner ever-destroyed things you cared about? Threatened you? Forced sex on you/or made you have sex in a way that you are unhappy with? Withheld sex/rejected you sexually in a punishing way? Used your personal fears to 'torture' you?

• Does your partner get jealous and if so, how does he then act?

• You mentioned your partner misuses drugs/alcohol. How does he act when drinking excessively or on drugs?

• Your partner seems very concerned and anxious. That can mean he feels guilty. Was he responsible for your injuries?

• Has your partner ever prevented you from doing things, for example leaving the house seeing friends, getting a job or continuing your education?

• Has your partner ever threatened or abused your children?