A young female coworker confides in another that she is being physically abused by her husband. The coworker should listen without judgment, keep the situation confidential unless there is an immediate safety threat, provide information on resources without giving direct advice, be supportive over time without expectations, and reassure the coworker that the abuse is not her fault. A mother abruptly leaves her crying child at a facility. When staff approaches, the child shouts for their mother. For shy children, separation anxiety is common. Staff can try distraction or leaving a comfort item to help the child calm down and transition to daily activities.

1. 1. A young female co-worker comes into your office showing signs of physical abuse. She
confides in you that it has been her husband disciplining her and she believes that this is an
acceptable behaviour in her culture.
Research and specify any legal, procedural or ethical issues you would need to take into
account when responding to this young person‟s needs.
If your co-worker tells you that she is being abused, do the following:
Just listen: Listening can be one of the best ways to help.Keep it confidential: Don't tell
other people what your co-worker told you. If there is a direct threat of violence at work, tell
her you both need to tell the employer.Provide information, not advice: Give your co-
worker the phone number to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Be careful about giving
advice. She knows the risks she faces and is the best judge of what to do; encourage your
co-worker to make her own decisions.Be there and be patient: Coping with abuse takes
time. Your co-worker may not do what you expect her to do when you expect her to do it. If
you think it is your job to fix the problem, you may end up feeling frustrated. Instead, focus
on building trust and being supportive.Tell your co-worker it is not her fault: Other people
get hurt also, and there are resources to help, encourage your co-worker to seek appropriate
help.
2. A child enters the room being carried by mum. The child is crying and holding on around
mum‟s neck. Mum approaches a staff member and says „Can you take them?‟ The staff
member removes the child‟s hand from around the mum‟s neck. The child‟s mum runs out
the door. The child lies curled up on the floor crying. When staff approaches, they shout „I
want my Mum!‟
How would you react to this scenario if the child was one who often acted shy?
There are many, many children who are shy or “slow to warm up,” meaning they are uneasy
or cautious in new situations or with unfamiliar people. As babies, they didn‟t like being held
by just anyone; they wanted to be cuddled by only a few special, trusted people. At the
moment of separation, you may be able to distract an infant from being upset. Point to a
favourite toy, or carry her to a window to see birds or trees.
Most kids calm down quickly and begin to go about their daily routines after parents leave.
Sometimes it helps to leave a cherished object (like a favourite blanket or doll) so that the
child can use for comfort while the parent is away.