Chapter 15C (Domestic Violence)

Question 1

What is Domestic Violence
-FORMS+TARGET-

Answer 1

Form:
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse
- psychological abuse
- deprivation
- neglect

Target:
- spouse battering
- child abuse
- elderly abuse

Question 2

4 Factors Leading to Domestic Violence (Socio-ecological Model)

Answer 2

Society:
- societal factors such as the cultural norms that give absolute authority and power to male over female

Community
- organizations outside the family in which domestic violence can be effectively discovered and intervened
(E.g. schools, companies, religious organizations, hospitals and community centres)

Interpersonal Relationship / Family
- how social relationships, e.g. family relationship, increase the risk for violence

Individual
- biological factors and personal history causing domestic violence
(E.g. individual’s psychological response and characteristics such as impulsiveness)

Question 3

Impacts on Holistic Health (e.g. elderly abuse)

Answer 3

Physical
- Death or physical injuries due to physical abuse
- Complications or degeneration due to the neglect

Social
- Social withdrawal due to the feeling of shame or unwilling to disclose family problems to others
- Poor social relationships within or outside the family due to the family conflicts

Mental
- Physical or any forms of abuse are stressors
- Low self-image and self-esteem due to the loss of control or being victimized
- Negative emotional health status or depression or due to the unhealthy relationships with the abusers

Question 4

Support and Services Available for Individuals and Families
-LEVEL+AIM+EXAMPLE-

Answer 4

Primary prevention:
Aims
- To arouse public concern on domestic violence and promote family harmony
Example
- Family life education

Secondary prevention:
Aims
- To identify risk factors of violence and provide surveillance, early identification and intervention
Example
- Referral (immediate referrals from healthcare professionals and social workers when they identify the signs of abuse in check-ups or counseling)

Tertiary prevention:
Aims
- To reduce relapse and casualty of domestic violence
Example
- Shelter home, crisis Intervention and support centre

Question 5

4 Cycle of Domestic Violence

Answer 5

1. Calm phase
   - the batterer ignores the victim (cold war)
2. Tension building phase
   - the batterer uses spoken language to humiliate the other side
3. Acting-out phase
   - the batterer punches the victim
4. Honeymoon phase
   - the batterer apologises to the victim and asks for forgiveness

Question 6

Related Policies and Services in Hong Kong

Answer 6

1. Services Against Domestic Violence
   - Family and Child Protection Service Units (FCPSUs)
2. Family Services
   - Integrated Family Service Centre (IFSC) / Integrated Service
   Centre (ISC)
   - Family Life Education
3. Services for Children
   - Child Care Services
   - Foster Care Service
   - Adoption Service
4. Emergency Support Services
   - Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre