Preparing to Screen

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1. Select a time when it is safe to ask about domestic violence
   1. Caregiver is alone at home or in a private place
   2. If child is older, send child on a brief (safe) errand
   3. If there’s never a good time, schedule meeting outside of home
2. Have all materials
   1. Frame the questions
      1. “Because violence is so common in many people’s lives and part of my role is to be a resource to help with safety concerns, I ask all the women I work with about it.”
   2. Screening tool
   3. Resource materials (hotlines, referrals)

Relax...Take a deep breath and remind yourself, your goal is not disclosure, but to begin a conversation and let her know you’re interested in her and her family’s safety.