Domestic Abuse Flashcards
What is domestic abuse?
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimidate partners or family regardless of gender or sexuality
How does domestic abuse impact on health?
[1] traumatic injuries following assault [2] somatic problems or chronic illness consequent on living with abuse [3] psychological or psychosocial problems secondary to the abuse
What are some examples of traumatic injuries following assault?
Fractures, miscarriage, facial injuries, puncture wounds, bruises and haemorrhage
What are some examples of somatic problems or chronic illness consequent on living with abuse?
Headaches, GI disorders, chronic pain, low birth weight, premature delivery
What are some examples of psychological or psychosocial problems secondary to the abuse?
PTSD, attempted suicide, substance misuse, depression, anxiety, eating disorders
What is the best indicator in the history of domestic abuse?
‘Reported as unwitnessed by anyone else’, repeat attendance, delay in seeking help, multiple minor injuries not requiring treatment
Is there a link between child abuse and domestic abuse in later life?
Yes
How does child abuse affect health in later life?
Affects psychological and physical health. Long-term effects on self esteem, education, relationships and stress responses
What abuse are children witnessing domestic abuse suffering from?
Even if there is not physical abuse on the child they are still suffering from emotional abuse
If you suspect abuse should you change how you write the notes?
Make sure you make a note of EVERYTHING, it can be used in the future as evidence
What is a doctors role in responding to domestic abuse?
Display (posters and numbers people can call); Safety (patient and potential children); Ask direct questions (non-judgmental and reassuring); acknowledge that that behaviour is not okay; give information
What should you NOT do when responding to domestic abuse?
Assume someone else will take care of things; ask about domestic abuse in front of family members; tell them what to do, aim to empower them to make safe and informed choices
When would you give domestic abuse risk levels?
When domestic abuse is definitely happening and you’re assessing the risk of serious harm
What is standard risk domestic abuse?
Current evidence does NOT indicate likelihood of causing serious harm
What is medium risk domestic abuse?
There are identifiable indicators of risk of serious harms. The offender has the potential to cause serious harm but unlikely unless a change in circumstance
What is high risk domestic abuse?
There are identifiable indicators of imminent risk of serious harm. It is dynamic and could happen at any time and the impact would be serious
What tool can you use to assess domestic abuse risk?
DASH tool
What are some victim factors that increase the risk of serious domestic abuse?
Pregnancy/new baby; children/step-children; isolated
What are some perpetrator factors that increase the risk of serious domestic abuse?
Violence towards others criminal history; drugs/alcohol/mental health; animal abuse; weapons; accomplices; controlling/jealous; perpetrator suicidal
What are some factors between the victim and the perpetrator that increase the risk of serious domestic abuse?
Child contact conflict; separation; stalking; death threats; sexual abuse; escalation in frequency or severity; financial issues; strangling/choking/drowning
What does MARAC stand for?
Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference
What does a MARAC do?
In a single meeting, links up to date information about victims’ needs and risks directly to the provision of appropriate services and responses for all those involved (victim, children, perpetrators)
What does IDVA stand for?
Independent Domestic Violence Advisors
Who does IDVA primarily help?
It works primarily with women who are at the highest levels of risk from domestic abuse in the city, and helps them to increase their safety
What does IDVA provide to increase safety of high risk women?
Advocacy and advise around domestic abuse, safety planning, support through court proceedings, signposting to specialist services: housing, legal services, refuge provision and home safety services
What is a domestic homicide review?
A review of the circumstances in which the death of a person aged 16 or over has, or appears to have, resulted from violence, abuse or neglect by: (a) a person to whom they were related to or had been in an intimate relationship with or (b) a member of the same household as them
What aspects can make up the power and control in domestic abuse?
Using isolation; minimising, denying and blaming; using children; using male privilege; using economic abuse; using coercion and threats; using intimidation; using emotional abuse
