Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS)
5-item validated screen for physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in pregnancy and reproductive health settings. Any positive response requires further assessment and safety planning.
Score interpretation
AAS — no abuse disclosed at this time
→ Provide information about available resources; create opportunity for private disclosure at future appointments; be aware denial does not exclude abuse
AAS — abuse disclosed; immediate action required
→ Immediate safety assessment; ensure patient is seen alone; safety planning with patient; document injuries with consent; refer to social services and/or domestic violence support (MARAC if high risk); safeguarding referral for any children; DASH risk assessment; involve specialist domestic violence advocate; contact GP
Interpretation bands for the Abuse Assessment. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- McFarlane J et al. Assessing for abuse during pregnancy: severity and frequency of injuries and associated entry into prenatal care. JAMA. 1992;267(23):3176–3178.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Methotrexate (Ectopic) · Antimetabolite (Ectopic Pregnancy Management)
- Hydralazine (IV — Acute Hypertension in Pregnancy) · Vasodilator (Antihypertensive)
- Methyldopa (Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy) · Centrally Acting Antihypertensive
- Enoxaparin (VTE in Pregnancy) · Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) — VTE Prophylaxis/Treatment
- Folic Acid (Pre-conception and Pregnancy) · Vitamin / Neural Tube Defect Prevention
- Ferric Carboxymaltose (IV Iron — Pregnancy) · IV Iron Preparation — Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Pregnancy
- Paracetamol overdose · TOXBASE/NPIS; MHRA DSU 2012/2024; SNAP regimen (Lancet 2014)
- TCA overdose · TOXBASE/NPIS; AACT/EAPCCT position statements; Resuscitation Council UK ALS
- Opioid overdose · TOXBASE/NPIS; Resuscitation Council UK
- Anticholinergic toxidrome · TOXBASE/NPIS; AACT/EAPCCT
- Benzodiazepine overdose · TOXBASE/NPIS; AACT/EAPCCT
- β-blocker overdose · TOXBASE/NPIS; AACT/EAPCCT; ESC
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.