Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

In a situation where a client presents with signs of domestic violence but denies it, what should the social worker do next?

1. Challenge the client on the inconsistency of their injuries

2. Safety plan with the client

3. Continue with the intake assessment

4. Provide a domestic violence shelter referral

The correct answer is: Provide a domestic violence shelter referral

In a scenario where a client shows signs of domestic violence but denies it, the priority for the social worker should revolve around ensuring the client's safety and providing them with options. Referring the client to a domestic violence shelter demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding their well-being. This action empowers the client by providing resources and support without directly confronting their denial. It allows the social worker to respect the client’s autonomy while still addressing the potentially dangerous situation they are in. Offering shelter referrals is particularly significant because it provides immediate access to a safe environment, where the client can have the resources and support to reflect on their situation. In situations involving domestic violence, clients may be in a state of fear or may minimize their circumstances due to various reasons, including fear of retaliation or lack of awareness about the severity of their situation. In contrast, while continuing with the intake assessment or challenging the client could be seen as accumulating more information or attempting to confront the situation directly, they may not adequately address the immediate safety needs of the client. Proactive measures aimed at ensuring safety should take precedence when there are clear indicators of harm.