PATIENT SUPPORT, INFORMATION, & EDUCATION

It is important to let your patients know that you care about their well-being and that you are ready to listen. If patients respond that they have experienced some form of Interpersonal Violence (IPV) or Domestic Violence (DV), thank them for sharing this information with you and show support.

• Consider the following responses after a patient discloses that he/she has experienced Interpersonal Violence (IPV) or Domestic Violence (DV):

“Thank you for trusting me with this information.”

“This is not your fault.”

“You didn’t do anything to deserve this.”

“You don’t have to be in a relationship that is violent.”

“This sounds like a difficult relationship for you.”

• Discuss a Safety Plan with your patient, but do not let him/her take it home if it is unsafe to do so.  If the patient wishes to take the plan home with them, discuss a safe place for them to keep it.

Safety Plan  > (English / Spanish)

• Provide the patient with follow-up instructions so that he/she knows what to do after leaving the office.

Follow-up Instructions > (English / Spanish)

• Provide Education on IPV or DV.

“Picking up the Pieces” > (English / Spanish)

Patient Materials (Section with education about interpersonal or domestic violence  & SC laws and support services)