Framing Introductory Questions

Start with a simple explanation as to why the questions are being asked.

For example:

"Because woman abuse is so common in many people's lives, I now ask all my clients about it."
"Many of the women I see are dealing with abuse in their relationships. Some are too afraid and uncomfortable to bring it up themselves, so I've started asking about it routinely."

Then ask specific questions.

For example:

"Have you ever been hurt or threatened by someone?"
"Are you currently or have you ever been in a relationship where you were physically hurt, threatened, or made to feel afraid (or unsafe)?"
"Have you ever been emotionally, physically, or sexually abused by your partner or someone important to you?""

Specific Considerations for Teen Women

"Everyone has a right to be safe and choose what happens to their body"
"Sometimes people say and do things to us that can be hurtful and make us feel confused and uncomfortable. Has anyone ever made you feel that way?"

Let the response guide your next question(s).

Hints:

You may need to define 'hurt' using age-appropriate language. Refer to Appendix L (Eight Types of Abuse).
Avoid using words such as "bad". A young person could take the word bad as meaning that they are bad or have done something wrong.
Avoid using leading questions; be direct and to the point; let the young person answer the question in her own words.
With young women, it will be necessary to proceed more slowly to build trust.
It may be necessary to explain that if abuse was of a sexual nature, even though it was an unwanted act, it may have resulted in "feeling good". This does not make the unwanted action acceptable.