Other active referrals. In the absence of accompaniment, other active referrals must be offered. This can include offering to help the client make an appointment by calling for them (ask the client in advance what information about their experience or needs should be shared with the referral organization), making a call with them, or offering a private place where the client can make a call. Offer the client a completed referral letter (see Appendix D) to take to the referral agency. In this situation, the reason for referral should be general (for example, something like: “the client is being referred for additional counseling and psychosocial support”) to reduce the risk of harm if someone else found the letter.
Other active referrals. In the absence of accompaniment, other active referrals must be offered. This can include offering to help the client make an appointment by calling for them (ask the client in advance what information about their experience or needs should be shared with the referral organization), making a call with them, or offering a private place where the client can make a call. Offer the client a completed referral letter (see Appendix D) to take to the referral agency. In this situation, the reason for referral should be general (for example, something like: “the client is being referred for additional counseling and psychosocial support”) to reduce the risk of harm if someone else found the letter. Offering printed copies of the referral list. Program staff can offer printed copies of the referral list to clients, if safe and appropriate. Note that sometimes having a referral list may put a client in danger. Alternatively, you could offer to send it to the client by WhatsApp or email or have the client record some of the most relevant numbers in their phone (these can be recorded under false names to limit the risk to the client). Be sure to assess the client’s comfort and safety related to accepting a referral list or receiving/storing information in their phone before taking this step. Referral follow-up. Program staff should note client preferences for follow-up (phone or in person). Clients who give permission to be contacted should be contacted by the agreed-upon staff member(s) to determine whether the client received the services for which they were referred and what their experience was like at the referral organization. This will be documented [insert facility’s referral documentation procedures and forms]. If clients report negative experiences, this information should be used to update the service directory. Clients who do not accept referrals or who do not agree to be contacted about the issue again will be reassured that resources are available for them in the future if they change their minds. Each site should define a referral process for both services offered inside the facility and those provided beyond the facility. The referral process should prioritize services that are time bound—such as PEP and emergency contraception—if relevant and desired by the survivor. [Appendix B provides more information on establishing a referral process for clinical and nonclinical services.] Spontaneous disclosures of violence. Some clients may disclose experiences...
