Domestic violence

Question 1

Define domestic violence

Answer 1

Pattern of physical, sexual and emotional abuse and intimidation.
Escalates in frequency and severity over time.

Normally due to a misuse of power and exercise of control of one partner over another.

Question 2

4 categories of domestic violence

Answer 2

Physical
Sexual
Financial
Psychological and emotional

Rarely one form of abuse and it escalates over time.

Question 3

Impact of domestic violence on women

Answer 3

significant cause of physical injury and disability

psychological impact: fear, shame, isolation, loss of independence

more prevalent in pregnancy - implicated in miscarriage, still birth and foetal damage

Elevated use of alcohol and drugs as a coping strategy.

Question 4

Impact of domestic violence on children

Answer 4

Severity and chronicity are significant.

Develop resilience and protective barriers
May have aggression, destructiveness and defiance
Profound feelings of powerlessness, anxiety, depression, fear and low self-esteem.

Question 5

Three common forms of gender violence

Answer 5

Domestic violence
Sexual violence
Inter-personal violence

Question 6

Common problems patients experience in different forms of gender violence

Answer 6

High levels of repeat victimization

Fear of disbelief

Feelings of powerlessness, blame, guilt and shame

Conflicted feelings towards abuser

Perceived lack of understanding of the extent and impact of violence by services and professionals

Harm is long term and there is potential for re-traumatisation

Question 7

Approaches to helping women in domestic abuse

Answer 7

Actively screen
Need to feel safe
Coordinated services
Social, legal and practical help
Recognising women have diverse needs.

Question 8

What key facts should be recorded when women talk about domestic violence?

Answer 8

Diagram representing the body with all the injuries marked on it. Photographs if possible

Written record about how the injuries occurred

Name of alleged assailant and relationship to patient.

Assessment of the patient’s current safety.

Mental health assessment for depression and suicide risk

Question 9

Why is it important to record the clinical assessment of domestic violence?

Answer 9

Court case
Evidence for re-housing
Prevent deportation of a foreign national who leaves a spouse because of violence

Question 10

How can you recognise a women who may be affected by domestic violence?

Answer 10

She is never on her own
Partner is aggressive/dominant
Appears different when on her own
Lots of missed appointments
Lots of minor injuries to breast and abdomen
Appears anxious, afraid, depressive

Question 11

Benefits of screening for domestic violence

Answer 11

Women want HCPs to take initiative and ask about injuries or relationship problems

Women would like to be asked privately

Easier for women to disclose if they are asked

Easier to offer help once you know there has been violence