How should screening for gender-based violence be approached with cultural sensitivity?

• A. Private, nonjudgmental questions; ensure safety; provide resources; acknowledge cultural context and potential stigma.
• B. Delay screening until discharge.
• C. Use accusatory language.
• D. Assume safety and skip questions.

Answer: (A)

Screening for gender-based violence should be approached with privacy, safety, and cultural sensitivity in mind. The best approach uses private, nonjudgmental questions; ensures safety; provides resources; and acknowledges cultural context and potential stigma. Privacy creates a safe space where the patient is more likely to disclose abuse, free from fear of being overheard or judged. Nonjudgmental questioning helps the patient feel respected and supported rather than blamed, which increases trust and the chance of an honest conversation. Ensuring safety means actively assessing immediate risk and taking steps to protect the patient if needed, including safety planning and connecting them with appropriate emergency resources. Providing accessible resources—such as hotlines, shelters, legal assistance, and ongoing medical or psychosocial support—empowers the patient to decide their next steps. Acknowledging cultural context and potential stigma demonstrates respect for beliefs, family dynamics, language needs, and community norms, all of which can influence disclosure and help-seeking behavior. This approach preserves autonomy, builds trust, and improves the likelihood that the patient will access needed care.

Delaying screening until discharge can miss critical opportunities to intervene when danger is present; using accusatory language undermines trust and safety; assuming safety and skipping questions leaves the patient vulnerable and unsupported.