Presence of advocates during the history

Advocates should be able to provide support and advocacy during the history, if desired by patients. The presence of an advocate may help patients feel more comfortable answering questions. Advocates may also assist patients in voicing their concerns about questions being asked and clarifying their needs during this time. Advocates should not answer questions asked of patients or otherwise influence their statements. 
 
Presence of family members, friends, and other personal support persons.  Prior to taking the history, patients should be informed that the presence of personal support persons (other than advocates) may influence or be perceived as influencing their statements.[1] These individuals could be subpoenaed as witnesses in their case.[2] If, after receiving this information, patients choose to have personal support persons present during the history, these individuals should be advised not to actively participate in the process. For example, they should not answer questions for patients, comment on patients’ answers, interrupt patients, or make facial expressions in response to patients’ answers.[3]

[1] Ideally, these individuals should not be present when giving patients this information or when patients make the decision whether they want the support person present.
[2] They should also be informed that the presence of these individuals during the medical forensic history could potentially reduce the degree of confidentiality advocates can offer patients (e.g., they may be called on to provide testimony regarding the interactions between patients and family members or friends present during this time).
[3] Requests to have family, friends, and other personal support persons present during the medical forensic history should be allowed unless it is considered potentially harmful to the exam process by the SART/involved responders. For example, in cases involving adolescents, parents or guardians should not be allowed in the exam room if they are suspected of committing the assault or of being abusive to patients.


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