15 - Domestic abuse Flashcards
Define domestic abuse.
Any form of physical, verbal, sexual, psychological or financial abuse which might amount to criminal conduct which takes place within the context of a relationship (present or past)
What is gender based violence?
- rape and SA
- childhood sexual abuse
- sexual exploitation and trafficking
- sexual harassment and stalking
- harmful traditional practices (eg FGM, forced marriage)
- domestic abuse
Describe coercive control.
- pattern of behaviour
- isolation
- degradation
- micro-regulations
- abusers appear charming to everyone else
Who is most at risk for domestic abuse?
- women
- 16-24 year old (women) or 16-19 year old (men)
- long term illness or disability
- mental health
- women who are separated from their partners
- pregnancy
How does domestic abuse affect children?
- anxiety/depression
- sleeping problems and nightmares
- heightened startle response
- behavioural symptoms
- lowered sense of leg worth, feelings of guilt
- health harming behaviours
- truanting
What are ACEs?
- adverse childhood experiences
- at higher risk of developing health or social problems later in life
- change how the brain reacts to stress
- more likely too involved in health harming behaviours
Give examples of ACEs.
- physical, emotional and sexual abuse
- physical and emotional neglect
- mental illness
- mother treated violently
- divorce
- incarcerated relative
- substance abuse
What are behavioural signs of domestic abuse?
- low self-esteem
- appear anxious or fearful
- constant phoning or testing from partner
- alcohol
- partner is dominant and does all the speaking when present
- partner may insist on female clinician
- missed or frequent appointments
What are physical signs of domestic abuse?
- repeated injuries
- bruises at different stages of healing
- facial/neck injuries
- unlikely explanations for injuries
- delay in seeking help for injuries
- emergency contraception (situational)
What is AVDR?
Ask
Validate
Document
Refer
How should you ask someone about domestic abuse?
- ask in a private setting
- do not ask in front of family or friends
- do not ask family to translate, always use professional translation service
- use non-judgemental language
How should you validate someone who is experiencing domestic abuse?
- remove blame
- show that you believe them
- show that you are taking it seriously
- show empathy and concern
How should you document that someone who is experiencing domestic abuse?
- use person’s own words as well as any clinical findings
- photograph if possible
How should you refer someone who is experiencing domestic abuse?
- signpost them rather than actual referral
- do not deal with problem yourself
- do not give patient obvious leaflet/call card to take home with them
- allow them to use your phone if they require
- 999 if immediate danger
