WEAVE Model: How to ask about domestic violence and abuse

• Worries

  • What is on your mind today?

  • What worries or concerns do you have about your life?

  • Tell me about your recent relationships....

• Efficacy

  • How are you feeling within yourself?

  • Are you able to control what goes on in your life?

  • How confident are you that you could make changes in your life in the near future?

• Afraid

  • Are you afraid of your partner, ex-partner or anyone in your family What is it like when it is scary?

  • What is it like when it is safe?

  • When were you most or least afraid?

  • How fearful are you now?

  • Are you safe to go home?

  • What could help you feel safer?

• Violence

  • Unhealthy relationships can involve physical, emotional or sexual behaviours.

  • What is the best/ worst aspect for you of your relationship?

  • Are things getting better, worse or staying the same?

  • How safe do you feel at home?

• Expectations

  • What would you like help with?

  • Who could give you the most support with this issue?

Ref: Hegarty, K., et al. (2013). Screening and counselling in the primary care setting for women who have experienced intimate partner violence (WEAVE): A cluster randomised controlled trial. The Lancet. 382, 249–258.