When should a Domestic Violence Screener be used?

• A. During court proceedings
• B. On the call with intimate parties
• C. In the jail intake area
• D. During a subpoena review

Answer: (B)

Using a Domestic Violence Screener on the call with intimate parties is about catching danger signs and safety needs while the incident is unfolding. This tool is built for on-scene use, where you’re talking directly to the victim and, if present, the suspected or involved partner. It helps you quickly identify risk factors—injuries, threats, weapon access, escalation patterns, and controlling behavior—and translates that into immediate actions: separating parties for safety, notifying DV resources or advocates, determining if an arrest or other protective steps are needed, and guiding safety planning for the victim and any children. Conducting the screener in the field ensures the information gathered informs real-time decisions and helps reduce harm right away. It isn’t used in court proceedings, jail intake, or when reviewing subpoenas, because those contexts are focused on legal processes and processing rather than live risk assessment and safety actions.