"It is not your fault.""I am glad that you told me.""I am required to report this abuse.""I am really sorry this happened to you."When survivors are disclosing abuse, they need privacy and time to tell their story. The nurse should listen attentively without offering unsolicited advice or making judgmental remarks about the possible abuse or the perpetrator. Use validating messages to convey that the survivor is believed and that the nurse is concerned for their safety and well-being. Examples of such messages include "It is not your fault." and "I am glad you told me." and "I am really sorry this happened to you." Although the nurse may be required to report the incident, this response is not therapeutic. Additionally, adult clients must be allowed an appropriate degree of autonomy in deciding how to manage the problem, even if the choice is to remain in the abusive situation. Telling the client that they should leave their spouse is judgmental and will likely affect the therapeutic nurse-client relationship.

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