When screening for domestic violence, which translator approach is recommended?

• A. Do not use translators
• B. Use family members to translate
• C. Use automated translation apps
• D. Use trained non-familial translators

Answer: (D)

When screening for domestic violence, clear, confidential, and accurate communication is essential. A trained non-family translator provides professional interpreting standards, keeps information confidential, and can handle sensitive disclosures without family dynamics influencing what is shared. They are equipped to recognize safety concerns, ensure the survivor understands questions, and translate neutrally, which supports accurate risk assessment and appropriate responses.

Using family members as translators can introduce bias, pressure the survivor, or reveal coercion, and they may lack training to handle safety planning or confidentiality. Automated translation apps pose privacy risks and can miss nuances or misinterpret critical details. Skipping translation altogether leaves language barriers unresolved. For these reasons, the recommended approach is to use trained non-familial translators.