Initial response: Validation Statements

You should affirm that violence is unacceptable behavior and express support, before any other response. Even if an individual does not choose to pursue other interventions or engage with other agencies, your validation of their experience and the offer of support is an act that may in the long-run contribute to the individual being able to change their situation. In addition to offering support, the clinician needs to make an initial assessment of their safety. This may be as simple as checking with the patient if it safe for them (and their children) to return home. A more detailed risk assessment will include questions about escalation of abuse, the content of threats, direct and indirect abuse to the children.