Creating a Safe Environment in Child Abuse

A nurse is assessing a 10-year-old child who appears withdrawn and anxious during a routine check-up. The child's caregiver reports that the child has been having nightmares and often exhibits signs of fear around adults. The nurse suspects the possibility of abuse and understands the importance of appropriate coping mechanisms. In this situation, it is crucial to identify the type of support that can best assist the child in coping with their experiences. A key approach to help a child who may have been subjected to abuse is to establish a safe environment where they can express their feelings and experiences. Therefore, it is important to recognize that the first step in providing support is to create a(n) __________ environment.