LIVES
WHO First Line Response: LIVES
Listen - Inquire - Validate - Enhance Safety - Support
According to the WHO, there are five easy steps that can be followed when providing a first-line response to those experiencing violence. There can be easily remembers by the acronym ‘LIVES’:
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Listen to the woman closely, with empathy, and without judging.
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Assess and respond to her various needs and concerns - emotional, physical, social and practical (e.g. Childcare).
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Show her that you understand and believe her. Assure her that she is not to blame.
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Discuss a plan to protect herself from further harm if violence occurs again.
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Support her by helping her connect to information, services and social support.
World Health Organization. (2014). Health care for women subjected to intimate partner violence or sexual violence: a clinical handbook. World Health Organization; p 14.