Which question best screens for domestic violence during a health assessment?

Which question best screens for domestic violence during a health assessment?

• A. Do you feel safe at home?
• B. Have you experienced physical abuse in the past?
• C. Are you currently under medical treatment?
• D. Do you have any other concerns?

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is how to screen for domestic violence in a health visit by prioritizing the patient’s current safety. The most effective screening question is asking directly about safety at home in a private, nonjudgmental way. This opens the door for someone experiencing abuse to disclose ongoing risk and begins the process of safety planning and support. It signals that you take their safety seriously and that you’re asking about something that can affect their health and care. The direct safety question is best because it evaluates current danger, not just history. If you focus on past abuse, you may miss ongoing or escalating risk in the present. Asking about medical treatment is unrelated to violence, and a broad “any other concerns” can miss specific, sensitive issues like abuse that patients might be reluctant to bring up without a targeted prompt. If the patient does disclose abuse, respond calmly, validate their feelings, ensure privacy, and connect them with appropriate resources and safety planning. This supports their immediate well-being and helps them access help when they’re ready.

The key idea here is how to screen for domestic violence in a health visit by prioritizing the patient’s current safety. The most effective screening question is asking directly about safety at home in a private, nonjudgmental way. This opens the door for someone experiencing abuse to disclose ongoing risk and begins the process of safety planning and support. It signals that you take their safety seriously and that you’re asking about something that can affect their health and care.

The direct safety question is best because it evaluates current danger, not just history. If you focus on past abuse, you may miss ongoing or escalating risk in the present. Asking about medical treatment is unrelated to violence, and a broad “any other concerns” can miss specific, sensitive issues like abuse that patients might be reluctant to bring up without a targeted prompt.

If the patient does disclose abuse, respond calmly, validate their feelings, ensure privacy, and connect them with appropriate resources and safety planning. This supports their immediate well-being and helps them access help when they’re ready.