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What to Do
What To Do If You Suspect Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking
During an intake or screening process, an individual that you are working with may share her/ his feelings or behaviors with you; or you may also notice them yourself as that person shares other experiences with you. If you suspect that an individual with whom you are working is experiencing violence, you should bring it up with them in an appropriate and sensitive manner once trust has been built. You should do this only after discussing your confidentiality policies and all relevant mandatory reporting laws with that person.
If you suspect domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, you should address it with the person. You can do this casually by reminding her of your availability to talk about such issues, or by sitting her down to a more serious conversation. In either of these situations, it is important to remember:
- If you are a mandatory reporter, explain your responsibilities upfront.
- In the end, it is each individual’s decision whether to disclose or not, and whether to seek various kinds of assistance or not.
- To ensure her safety and to make sure she receives services she does want, consider linking her to someone she can talk to that is not a mandatory reporter.
How To Respond to Disclosure
If someone with whom you are working discloses experiences with domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, you should:
- Be non-judgmental in your approach.
- Tell her that you believe what she is telling you.
- Validate her feelings.
- Acknowledge any fears and take her concerns seriously.
- Give her contact information for the local hotline or center in your area and offer to assist her in making connections with them.
- Offer your time to continue working with her around her needs.
- Support her decisions.
- Help her develop a safety plan, if she is interested.
- Refer her to hotline assistance, medical care, police or other service providers if she is interested.
