Lethality Assessment
An important component of protecting your client is in being able to assess the lethality of her abusive situation. Recent research on domestic violence homicide indicates that the presence of the following factors may increase the risk of death to a client:

• Batterer is obsessed with partner- says “she is center of his life” or “he can’t live without her”.
• Physical violence has escalated and involves acts, such as choking, that could be lethal.
• Batterer has threatened to kill.
• Abuse involves forms of sexual abuse.
• Batter has violated orders for protection (injunctions).
• Batterer engages in stalking behavior.
• Worst episodes of violence occur when batterer is drinking or using drugs.
• Violent acts involve knives, guns.
• Batterer has threatened suicide or is depressed.

You may also want to assess your client’s appraisal of the violence she is experiencing.

Documenting
Results of screening for domestic violence, providing information and referral, and follow- up information should be included in a client’s medical record. Even if the client does not leave her abusive partner immediately, timely documentation of abuse can later help her prove her case during any court cases. Remember that WIC and related health/nutrition staff are mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse.