Through practice, screening for strangulation will feel more natural. The women’s health centres we worked with on this project, used role play to explore what words would work best for their communities when screening for strangulation and assessing for related needs. This recorded demonstration is an example of the role plays Women’s Health NSW conducted at the centres, which could be useful in guiding your service’s training.
At the start of this recorded demonstration, Geraldine Bilston, consultant and advocate, reminds us of the value of screening and assessment processes that are conversational, relational and focus on the client’s experiences. Chelsea Wilesmith from Women’s Centre for Health and Wellbeing Albury Wodonga, then demonstrates how you can screen for strangulation and assess a client’s initial medical needs in a way that feels safe and supportive.
This recorded demonstration could be included as part of annual workforce training and in staff orientation/induction packages. It will be most effective when used in conjunction with the Guidelines: Responding to non-fatal strangulation and sexual choking and the accompanying assessment tool. Set the scene for staff by encouraging them to view our recorded training or the service provider digital story before engaging with this resource.