Screening for Abuse
Assessment
UNC Health Care System has a Universal Screening guideline to help you begin to assess and provide services for patients who have experienced abuse. We encourage you to use this template if you are unsure of what to do or what to ask your patient.
First, move patient to a confidential setting (if possible) and make sure that all family members/visitors are asked to leave in order to speak to the patient alone. NEVER assess for abuse with the abuser in the room.
Next, you can say…
“Because so many people deal with fear and abuse in their relationships, we ask these of all our patients:
- Has your partner or family member ever tried to control or threaten you in any way?
- Is abuse, violence, or sexual assault a problem for you in any way?
- Are you afraid or experience fear with your partner?
These are just a few examples that you can use; however it’s important to make how you assess for abuse work for you. The more knowledgeable you are with the issue of abuse and appropriate screening practices, the more support you can offer the patient, which improves care.
Below is a downloadable Screening Tips Flow Chart for the Beacon Program to assist with assessing and next steps. In the event you determine that a Child Protective Services report needs to be made, please be aware of the important changes made to the Child Abuse Reporting Statute. Please click What You Need to Know About the New Child Abuse Reporting Statute for full details before your next Child Protective Services report! If you have any questions or need further assistance we are here to help! Contact Beacon at 984-974-0470.