Delaware Recognition and Reporting of Abuse, Exploitation, Trafficking, and Domestic Violence

Target Audience

Delaware registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and other nursing professionals who may encounter children, elders, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons in healthcare, home care, community, educational, or residential settings.

Teaching Method

Self-directed learning completed independently, with scenario-based reflection.

Overview

Vulnerable persons may experience abuse, exploitation, trafficking, or domestic violence in ways that are not immediately disclosed or confirmed. Nurses may observe physical findings, behavioral changes, controlling interactions, unsafe living conditions, inconsistent explanations, financial concerns, or other indicators that require careful assessment and role-appropriate action. Recognition does not require the nurse to prove that maltreatment occurred. The nurse’s responsibilities may include addressing immediate safety needs, communicating privately when appropriate, documenting objective observations, following reporting requirements, and avoiding actions that could increase risk or interfere with an authorized investigation.

This course examines indicators associated with sexual abuse, physical abuse, exploitation, trafficking, domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect. It explains trauma-informed and person-centered responses, including respectful communication, privacy considerations, immediate emergency action, internal escalation, external reporting, and documentation. The course also distinguishes the nurse’s responsibility to observe, assess, report, and support from the responsibilities of law enforcement, protective services, forensic specialists, and other investigators.

Delaware law requires a report when a person knows or in good faith suspects child abuse, neglect, or human trafficking. In specified urgent circumstances, the report must be made orally by immediately contacting the Department’s report line. Contacting law enforcement does not replace the required report to the Department.

Learner Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Identify physical, behavioral, environmental, financial, and interaction-based indicators that may suggest sexual abuse, physical abuse, exploitation, trafficking, domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect involving a vulnerable person.
• Describe trauma-informed, safety-focused, and role-appropriate responses to suspected or known maltreatment, including objective documentation, appropriate communication, and avoidance of independent investigation or unsafe confrontation.
• Apply Delaware reporting obligations to suspected or known abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking, or domestic violence, including good-faith suspicion of child abuse, neglect, or human trafficking.

Disclosure

The planner(s) and author(s) of this educational activity have disclosed that there are no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests related to the content of this course. This course is developed for educational purposes and does not receive commercial support.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the content is not guaranteed to be free from errors or omissions. Participants are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional for specific advice related to their circumstances. The creators and presenters of this course disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information provided.