Explain why the responses to each scenario are appropriate or inappropriate.

1. You are speaking with a man in his 50s who says his childhood was really hard and that he lived in fear of his father for most of it. He also says, 'Yeah, he was really mean, and he'd let you know with his fists when he was angry. He also knew how to take it to the next level of humiliation in my room at night.' The worker thinks he is alluding to sexual abuse.

APPROPRIATE: 'You described physical abuse by your Dad, and I know that abuse can often be sexual, too. Is that what you mean by the humiliation in your room?'

INAPPROPRIATE: 'That's just the way kids were raised in that era, isn't it?'

2. A worker is speaking to an Indigenous Australian who has been mugged and has trouble feeling safe in public. They will not look the worker in the eye and will not say very much about their feelings. They seem uncomfortable even though they have sought help.

APPROPRIATE: 'You seem to be uncomfortable talking about this experience. Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?'

INAPPROPRIATE: 'I can't help you if you don't talk to me.'