In a crisis center, a female presents with a broken wrist after domestic violence. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

In a crisis center, a female presents with a broken wrist after domestic violence. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

• A. You need to leave the relationship.
• B. I will call a lawyer for you.
• C. Let's develop a safety plan for repeated violence.
• D. Here is a list of services that can help you.

Answer: (C)

Focusing on safety planning addresses ongoing risk and supports the survivor’s autonomy. The best response is to partner with her to develop a safety plan for repeated violence. This approach offers concrete, actionable steps she can take now and as situations change, such as identifying safe places to go, arranging trusted contacts to call, securing important documents and money, knowing how to reach emergency services, and knowing where to access shelter or crisis resources. It validates her experience and centers her choices, which is essential in crisis care. Simply telling her to leave the relationship or offering to contact a lawyer can feel pushy or prescriptive and may not fit her immediate safety needs or readiness. Providing a list of services is helpful, but it’s more effective when integrated into a personalized safety plan she helps create. Focusing on safety planning gives her practical tools to reduce harm while respecting her own pace and decisions.

Focusing on safety planning addresses ongoing risk and supports the survivor’s autonomy. The best response is to partner with her to develop a safety plan for repeated violence. This approach offers concrete, actionable steps she can take now and as situations change, such as identifying safe places to go, arranging trusted contacts to call, securing important documents and money, knowing how to reach emergency services, and knowing where to access shelter or crisis resources. It validates her experience and centers her choices, which is essential in crisis care.

Simply telling her to leave the relationship or offering to contact a lawyer can feel pushy or prescriptive and may not fit her immediate safety needs or readiness. Providing a list of services is helpful, but it’s more effective when integrated into a personalized safety plan she helps create. Focusing on safety planning gives her practical tools to reduce harm while respecting her own pace and decisions.