Screening for Domestic Violence
A Guide for Professionals

While inquiring about abuse may seem difficult at first, recognizing that identifying abuse is an important, legitimate, and potentially lifesaving task can help professionals overcome their initial hesitation. Professionals can help decrease a battered person’s potential discomfort by framing questions in ways that let her/him know that you take domestic violence seriously and that help is available.

Framing Questions

It may feel awkward to introduce the subject of abuse, particularly if there are no obvious indications a woman is being abused. The following are examples of ways you can introduce the issue.

• “We know domestic violence is a very common problem. About 25% of women in this country are abused by their partners. Has that ever happened to you?”
• “Because domestic violence is common in women’s lives, I make it a practice to ask women I see here about domestic violence.”
• “I don’t know if this is a problem for you, but many of the women I see here are dealing with abusive relationships. Some are too afraid or uncomfortable to bring it up themselves, so I’ve started asking about it routinely.”
• “Some of the lesbians and gay men we see here are hurt by their partners. Does your partner ever try to hurt you?”

Direct Questions

However you initially raise the issue of domestic violence, it is important to include direct and specific questions.

• “Did someone hit you? Who was it? Was it your partner?”
• “Has your partner or ex-partner ever hit you or physically threatened to hurt you or someone close to you?”
• “Does your partner ever try to control you by threatening to hurt you or your family?”
• “Has your partner ever forced you to have sex when you didn’t want to? Has your partner ever refused to practice safe sex?”
• “Does your partner frequently belittle you, insult you, and blame you?”
• “Has he/she ever tried to restrict your freedom or keep you from doing things that were important to you (like going to school, working, seeing your friends or family).”
• “Do you feel controlled or isolated by your partner?”
• “Do you ever feel afraid of your partner? Do you feel you are in danger? Is it safe for you to go home?”
• “Is your partner jealous? Does he/she frequently accuse you of infidelity?”

Indirect Questions

In some settings, it may be appropriate to start the inquiry with an indirect question before proceeding to more direct questions. The following are some examples of this approach.

• “Have you been under any stress lately? Are you having any problems with your partner? Do you ever argue or fight? Do the fights ever become physical? Are you ever afraid? Have you ever gotten hurt?”
• “You mentioned that your partner loses his temper with the children. Can you tell me more about that? Has he ever hit or threatened to physically harm you or the children?”
• “How are things going in your relationship/marriage? All couples argue sometimes. Are you having fights? Do you fight physically?”
• “You mentioned that your partner uses alcohol/drugs. How does he/she act when intoxicated? Does your partner’s behavior ever frighten you? Does he/she become violent?”
• “Like all couples, gay couples have various ways of resolving their conflicts. How do you and your partner deal with conflicts? What happens when you disagree? What happens when your partner doesn’t get his/her way?”

If the person does not acknowledge abuse:

If she/he says that abuse is not occurring but you are still concerned about abused, it is appropriate to offer resources and support. Voice your concerns. She/he may feel comfortable listening without directly acknowledging the abuse. In this case it is still helpful to offer some information about abuse, provide a referral sheet or phone numbers, and to encourage her/him to contact resources in the community.

This document was adapted from the publication entitled, “Improving the Health Care System’s Response to Domestic Violence: A Resource Manual for Health Care Providers,” produced by the Family Violence Prevention Fund in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Written by Carole Warshaw, M.D. and Anne L. Ganley, Ph.D., with contributions by Patricia Salber, M.D.