Addressing Child Abuse: Safety First

During a routine assessment, a nurse meets with a 10-year-old child who has exhibited signs of fearfulness and withdrawal. The child mentions that they often feel unsafe at home due to frequent arguments between their parents and that they are sometimes punished harshly. The nurse suspects that the child may be experiencing a form of abuse. It is important for the nurse to understand the indicators of abuse and how to support the child.

Fill in the blank: One of the most critical first steps in addressing suspicions of abuse is to ensure the child's physical and emotional ________.