EXPLAINING THE OPTIONS
WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I BE GIVING TO PATIENTS AND HOW DO I PRESENT THAT INFO?
REPORTING OPTIONS & TESTING
We recognize the options the victim can have will vary by hospital and jurisdiction. However these are some general tips and information in regards to reporting and testing
Addressing their options
Example: “I know this is probably the last thing you want to talk about right now, but I do want to talk to you about your options. We will go through them together but right now I wanted to talk to you specifically about reporting and testing.”
Have knowledge of what your hospital can test for and send out for in terms of drug panels and if your patient wants a test, advocate for it on their behalf.
Explain how they can access testing if the hospital does not provide it.
Example: “We can not test you for roofies or the type of drugs that may be in your system here, but if testing is something you want to pursue I have some resources for gaining access to a test we can look at together.”
Then you can take them to this website and look under Resources for the victim. In this tab there are links to urine testing they can purchase online or if you know of testing centers near the hospital you can refer them there, however, keep cost and insurance coverage in mind as you go forward.
Ask the victim if reporting is something they want to pursue.
Example: “Another possible next step for us to look at is reporting what happened to the police. Is that something you think you might want to do or do you have any questions about it?”
If the victim seems open to it, ask if they would like you to call the police for them. Using words and phrasing with inclusive words like “we” or “together” can help the victim feel more comfortable. Giving the victim different options will also provide autonomy.
Example: “Okay, it’s great that you are open to reporting. We have a few options. I can call the police to come here and take your statement or we can call them together if you would like. When they get here they can take your statement in private or if you want me with you for support I can be here for you.”
DO NOT EVER DISCOURAGE A VICTIM FROM REPORTING
COUNSELING OPTIONS/RESOURCES
We again understand that availability of resources can vary depending on hospital and state, however here are some general tips for addressing options of counseling and other resources
Ask if they have ever received counseling or if counseling would be something new to them.
Example: “If you are comfortable sharing this with me, have you ever received or been to counseling?”
If yes:
Example: “Do you have a counselor already in place or is that something you would like to have that we could talk about together?”
If no:
Example: “Okay, is that something you would ever consider or want to pursue. Sometimes in these traumatic situations it helps to have someone to talk with and debrief with about the situation that is a third party.”
If they decide that is something they would like to pursue, if you have people to refer them to that are local that is great. If not under our Resources tab there are links to counselor finders and online counseling that you and your patient can go through together and evaluate what may work best for them. Ensure to keep cost and insurance in mind when looking at the different options.