Guidelines for questioning pediatric abuse victims, if needed
December 1, 1998 2 minutes read
Guidelines for questioning pediatric abuse victims, if needed
Question the adult separately; be child friendly; get lower than the child.
Why did you come to the ER today?
A. Discloses:
• Tell me about that.
• What happened?
• Who did that?
• What did _____ touch (hurt, tickle, owie—use child’s own words) you with?
• What do you call that part of your body?
• Where were your clothes when this happened?
• When did this happen? (Time frames are difficult for children.)
• Did anything get on you from their body?
• When was your last bath/shower?
• When did you urinate/pee, have BM/poop last?
• When did you last eat or drink something?
• What method of birth control, if sexually active?
• Date of last menstrual period—if pubescent.
B. Doesn't Disclose:
• Would it be okay for you to tell me how come you are here?
• What would happen if you did/didn't tell me why you are here?
• Would someone be in trouble if you told me why you are here?
• I need to know why you are here so I can take care of you.
Guidelines for questioning acute/chronic physical abuse victims
Questions:
• What happened?
• Where did this happen?
• Who was there?
• Have you ever been to an emergency room or minor center before?
• Have you ever broken a bone, had stitches, taken medication you shouldn’t have, etc., before?
Considerations:
• Is injury consistent with history?
• Assessment of caretaker (uncooperative, angry)
• Caretaker’s interaction with the child or other children (impatient, angry with child, excessive or inappropriate affection).
Source: St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, Boise, ID
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