Quiz Yourself: Answers

1. The seven guiding principles for working with victims of domestic violence are:
      • Regard the safety of the victim and her children as a priority.
      • Respect the autonomy of the victim and her ability to make her own choices.
      • Never blame the victim for the abuse -hold the perpetrator responsible.
      • Maintain an attitude that does not threaten, blame, or make judgements about the
         victim or the abuser.
      • Believe the victim and be willing to listen.
      • Provide choices, not interventions.
      • Recognize what you can do to enhance the identification of victims within your agency.
      • Always discuss the topic of domestic violence in private.
    
2. The role of WIC and other nutrition staff in assisting victims of domestic violence includes:
      • Routinely assess all of your clients about domestic violence.
      • Conduct an initial domestic violence assessment through the use of indirect and
         then, if necessary, direct questions.
      • If a client denies abuse, be sure to give her the number to the local domestic violence
         center "just in case".
      • If a client confirms abuse, you may proceed with various assessment tools as
         desired or simply refer her to the local domestic violence center whose staff members
         can assist her with all of her varying needs. You may also make referrals as needed.
      • Be sure to listen empathetically to her - you might be the first person she has ever told!
      • Make a safety plan if she intends to return to her relationship for the time being. This
         can also be done with the local domestic violence center staff.
      • At her next WIC appointment, be sure to follow-up with her to see that she has received
         all the help she needs.
      • Document your findings in her WIC records if possible as it may one day help to
         substantiate her case in court.
    
3. Framing questions are a means of broaching the subject of domestic violence without putting the client on the spot, should she choose not to confide in you at this time. If you ask every client about domestic violence regardless, you can honestly assure her your questions are routine, and you might encounter victims with whom you saw no red flags at all!
    
4. You can quickly convey these three things to every client:
      • It's not your fault.
      • You're not alone.
      • There is help available.
    
5. The Basic Abuse Assessment consists of three simple and direct questions as well as a short checklist of common injuries resulting from domestic violence.
    
6. Safety planning questions can vary widely, but should include:
      • How to get away
      • How to get help
      • Where to go
      • How to secure where you go
      • How to keep a link to helpers
      • How to get around / transportation
      • How to keep pets safe
      • Protecting what is yours
      • How to stay safe outside of home, at church or work, for example
      • Anticipating and responding to the abuser's actions
      • Making an escape bag