If an adult patient came into the office and you suspected abuse, what would you do?

"I would be very sensitive to this situation and address it with the patient privately. I would never pry or force someone to tell me anything, but I would ask appropriate questions and, based on their responses, act accordingly. If they acknowledge they were being abused, I would offer all available resources to help them get the safety and care they need."

"I would be very kind and gentle in my approach to the patient. I would go through my screener questions, which include questions about physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. If the patient answered those questions openly and honestly, I would provide resources to support him or her, including contact information for local authorities, shelters, domestic violence mental health support, and I would offer to connect him or her to our clinic's social worker. I would also follow my state's guidelines for mandatory reporting if applicable."