A patient claims her husband has hit her; what should you do?

• A. Ensure immediate safety and follow safeguarding procedures.
• B. Dismiss the claim as unrelated to care.
• C. Notify the police without assessing the patient.
• D. Tell the patient to contact a social worker themselves.

Answer: (A)

Safeguarding and immediate safety are the priorities. When someone discloses domestic violence, the first action is to assess risk and take steps to keep them safe, then follow the local safeguarding procedures so trained teams can provide support and protection. This means offering a safe space, arranging a safety plan, and triggering the appropriate safeguarding pathway so professionals can coordinate housing, legal protection, social services, and ongoing support. Dismissing the claim or telling them to contact a social worker themselves delays protection and undermines the duty of care. Jumping straight to police involvement without a proper assessment can be inappropriate or unwelcome for the patient, whereas a thorough risk assessment determines the correct next steps. Document the disclosure objectively, provide information about options and support, and respect the patient’s autonomy while ensuring she understands how safeguarding will proceed.