READ:

In the early morning hours, an 18 y/o female presents to the University of Alberta Emergency Department complaining of vaginal pain and wanting a pregnancy test. She appears to have bruises in various stages of healing all over her body. She is underdressed for the weather and has a large tattoo on her neck of a crown with initials underneath.

The Emergency Department (ED) is extremely busy, and the patient appears anxious and continues to check her phone. She repeatedly asks the intake nurse how long this will take, pleading that she “really needs to get back.” After about 2 hours of waiting, she says she is going outside for a smoke and to meet her boyfriend – but may return in a bit. While she is gone, another patient informs you that there is a “heated argument outside between a girl and an older guy.”

Together, they return to the ED. She appears quiet and submissive while he appears angry and is demanding that she been seen soon. The intake nurse says she’ll escalate their case and promises they’ll be seen next.

[END SCENARIO after SART Nurse 2 offers to safety plan and continue with the rest of the medical assessment]