understand the do's and don'ts as they pertain to suicide.
, Signs of suicide thinking should be recognized
Asking the question
· Know how to ask the most important question of all...
· "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
· "Are you thinking about suicide?"
DO ask the question if you've identified warning signs or symptoms
DO ask the question in such a way that is natural & flows w/ the
conversation
DON'T ask the question as though you are looking for a "no" answer
· "You aren't thinking of killing yourself, are you?"
DON'T wait to ask the question when he/she is halfway out the door
Validate the Veteran's experience
· Talk openly about suicide. Be willing to listen & allow the Veteran to
express his or her feelings
· Recognize that the situation is serious
· Do not pass judgment
· Reassure that help is available
Encourage Treatment & Expediting getting help
What should I do if I think someone is suicidal?
· DON'T keep the Veteran's suicidal behavior a secret
· DO not leave him or her alone
· Try to get the person to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the
nearest hospital emergency room
Reassure the Veteran that help is available
If the sexual assault occurred on VA Property, the crime scene location needs to be
determined & secured in accordance w/ Crime Scene Processing training. Do not
begin processing
Give this one a try later!
, · The Forensic Medical History and/or the Forensic Medical Exam may
reveal key aspects of the crime scene
· The primary investigator should provide direction on how the crime scene
should be processed
· Identify all possible witness. If witnesses are present, an effort should be
made to keep them apart or told not to discuss the event until interviewed
· If the suspect is identified, have this information readily available to the
primary investigator
· Maintain extensive field notes & be prepared to turn over those notes to
the primary investigator
Sentinel Event:
Give this one a try later!
· An unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or
psychological injury or the risk thereof. Such events are called "sentinel"
because they signal the need for immediate investigation & response. The
VA considers sexual assaults occurring on VA property to sentinel events
There are behavioral signs associated w/ substance abuse & addiction are universally
applicable:
Give this one a try later!
· Changes in sleeping or eating habits
· Loss of interest in sex or hyper sexuality
· Neglect of personal hygiene & appearance
· Mood swings
· Downward spiral in general attitude or not caring about the future
· Anger & irritability
· Mistreatment of others
· Sneaky behavior, lying or stealing
· Deteriorating relationships w/ family, friends or co-workers
· Problems at work or school
, · Legal or money problems
· Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
· Reluctance to introduce new friends to family members & longtime friends
Be mindful of the personal, interpersonal & privacy concerns of victims. They may
have a number of concerns:
Give this one a try later!
· Possibility of having been impregnated
· Possibility of having contracted a sexually transmitted disease
The reactions of their:
· Spouse, Mate, Parents, Children
Media may reveal the victim's experience to the public
Reactions from neighbors & coworkers if they learn about the sexual
assault
Always ensure that any acute injury, trauma care & safety needs of patients
are addressed before collecting evidence. The priority is the victim's health
& well-being
Assess patient's needs for immediate medical or mental health intervention
An alert/notification for the need of the SANE/SAFE should be made
immediately
An alert/notification for an Advocate should be made immediately
Patients should not wash, change clothes, urinate, defecate, smoke, drink or
eat until initially evaluated by a SANE/SAFE, unless necessary for treating
acute medical needs
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner or Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner have three
significant roles when it comes to the treatment of a victim of sexual assault & the
gathering of physical evidence
Give this one a try later!
, Signs of suicide thinking should be recognized
Asking the question
· Know how to ask the most important question of all...
· "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
· "Are you thinking about suicide?"
DO ask the question if you've identified warning signs or symptoms
DO ask the question in such a way that is natural & flows w/ the
conversation
DON'T ask the question as though you are looking for a "no" answer
· "You aren't thinking of killing yourself, are you?"
DON'T wait to ask the question when he/she is halfway out the door
Validate the Veteran's experience
· Talk openly about suicide. Be willing to listen & allow the Veteran to
express his or her feelings
· Recognize that the situation is serious
· Do not pass judgment
· Reassure that help is available
Encourage Treatment & Expediting getting help
What should I do if I think someone is suicidal?
· DON'T keep the Veteran's suicidal behavior a secret
· DO not leave him or her alone
· Try to get the person to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the
nearest hospital emergency room
Reassure the Veteran that help is available
If the sexual assault occurred on VA Property, the crime scene location needs to be
determined & secured in accordance w/ Crime Scene Processing training. Do not
begin processing
Give this one a try later!
, · The Forensic Medical History and/or the Forensic Medical Exam may
reveal key aspects of the crime scene
· The primary investigator should provide direction on how the crime scene
should be processed
· Identify all possible witness. If witnesses are present, an effort should be
made to keep them apart or told not to discuss the event until interviewed
· If the suspect is identified, have this information readily available to the
primary investigator
· Maintain extensive field notes & be prepared to turn over those notes to
the primary investigator
Sentinel Event:
Give this one a try later!
· An unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or
psychological injury or the risk thereof. Such events are called "sentinel"
because they signal the need for immediate investigation & response. The
VA considers sexual assaults occurring on VA property to sentinel events
There are behavioral signs associated w/ substance abuse & addiction are universally
applicable:
Give this one a try later!
· Changes in sleeping or eating habits
· Loss of interest in sex or hyper sexuality
· Neglect of personal hygiene & appearance
· Mood swings
· Downward spiral in general attitude or not caring about the future
· Anger & irritability
· Mistreatment of others
· Sneaky behavior, lying or stealing
· Deteriorating relationships w/ family, friends or co-workers
· Problems at work or school
, · Legal or money problems
· Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
· Reluctance to introduce new friends to family members & longtime friends
Be mindful of the personal, interpersonal & privacy concerns of victims. They may
have a number of concerns:
Give this one a try later!
· Possibility of having been impregnated
· Possibility of having contracted a sexually transmitted disease
The reactions of their:
· Spouse, Mate, Parents, Children
Media may reveal the victim's experience to the public
Reactions from neighbors & coworkers if they learn about the sexual
assault
Always ensure that any acute injury, trauma care & safety needs of patients
are addressed before collecting evidence. The priority is the victim's health
& well-being
Assess patient's needs for immediate medical or mental health intervention
An alert/notification for the need of the SANE/SAFE should be made
immediately
An alert/notification for an Advocate should be made immediately
Patients should not wash, change clothes, urinate, defecate, smoke, drink or
eat until initially evaluated by a SANE/SAFE, unless necessary for treating
acute medical needs
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner or Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner have three
significant roles when it comes to the treatment of a victim of sexual assault & the
gathering of physical evidence
Give this one a try later!
