chapter 22: abuse and violence

Question 1

abuse within the family

Answer 1

• child abuse
• intimate partner violence
• sexual abuse
• elder abuse
• any of these can include violence, emotional abuse, or neglect

Question 2

violence

Answer 2

• we are all exposed to violence regularly from news stories
• road rage, school shootings, terrorism are unfortunately no longer rare

Question 3

characteristics of abusers

Answer 3

• has usually been abused themselves
• usually know their victims
• have low self esteem and a need for power
• often alcohol or drug dependent
• may be parents of an unwanted child or child w/ special needs
• could have brain dysfunction, genetic predisposition

Question 4

characteristics of victims/survivors

Answer 4

• dependent or codependent type personality
• low self esteem
• relies on abuser: physically, financially, emotionally, “for the children”

Question 5

general signs to suspect abuse

Answer 5

• bruising/bleeding in unexpected areas
• unexplained, recurrent injuries
• absence from work/school
• withdrawal from friends/social activities
• frequent bladder infections
• physical abnormalities
• frequent visits to the ED
• fear of partner/caretaker
• self blame for abuser’s actions

Question 6

child abuse

Answer 6

• can include physical, emotional, sexual abuse as well as neglect
• the most vulnerable victims
• ages birth-2 years have highest death ate
• children w/ special needs may be singled out for abuse in a family

Question 7

sexual abuse

Answer 7

• violent or nonviolent sexual contact that is not wanted by the receiver
• abuser usually knows victim
• includes rape, incest, sexual harassment

Question 8

domestic violence

Answer 8

• may be called spousal or intimate partner abuse
• can include physical, emotional, sexual, economic
• more often, women are the victims but men also can be
• cycle of abuse includes tension building, battering incident, honeymoon

Question 9

elder abuse

Answer 9

• includes physical, emotional, sexual, and economic
• abuser is usually in a caregiver role (including hired caregiver, family)
• victim often dependent on abuser
• victim’s reports of abuse may be ignored

Question 10

treatment of abusers

Answer 10

• access to specialized counseling
• respite care to relieve pressures of caregiving
• support groups
• anger management, parenting skills

Question 11

treatment of victims

Answer 11

• support to acknowledge the abuse and stop the cycle of abuse
• resources to ensure safety for self, children, pets
• individual and group therapy w/ specialiss to treat type of abuse
• medications for anxiety, depression

Question 12

nursing interventions

Answer 12

• ensure safety for the person and those in their care as well as yourself
• know your own thoughts/feelings about abuse
• you may be caring for both the abuser and the survivor
• be nonjudgmental/show empathy
• know your agency policy regarding mandatory reporting
• educate yourself on specific interventions for each type of abuse

Question 13

advocacy

Answer 13

• community programs for victims/survivors
• volunteer advocacy programs
• nurses are mandatory reporters for child abuse
• know laws in your state regarding mandatory reporting of other types of abuse