Domestic Violence

Question 1

What is one of the most important things that you can do for a survivor?

Answer 1

Listen to their story

Question 2

Definition of domestic violence

Answer 2

PATTERN of assaultive and coercive behaviors used by one person to maintain power and control over another person with whom an intimate relationship is shared - regardless of their legal status

Question 3

Hands on vs hands off violence

Answer 3

Hands On: physical being is being touched (strangled, hit, etc)

Hands Off: body never touched/no physical evidence (verbal abuse/threats)

Equally damaging

Question 4

What % of women experience domestic violence in their lifetime?

Answer 4

25%

Question 5

Who generally is the perpetrator?

Answer 5

A man in control of family decisions

Question 6

Who generally is at risk of being a victim?

Answer 6

Young age (20-24), single separated or divorced, Pregnancy

Question 7

What are NOT risk factors of being a victim?

Answer 7

Socioeconomic status
Race
Level of education
Employment
Insurance status

Question 8

Cycle of abuse - 3 stages

Answer 8

1. Tension building
2. Acute battering incident
3. Re-engagement (hearts and flowers)

increases in frequency and severity over time

Question 9

Power and control wheel

Answer 9

Visual way to see the things done by perpetrator to maintain power and control

Question 10

Physical and sexual violence role in power wheel

Answer 10

Container - if someone tries to escape, these are used to keep them in place.

Question 11

Symptoms of an adult coming in with domestic violence

Answer 11

Behavioral reactions - sleep or appetite disturbance

Emotional - shock, fear, grief, guilt, detachment, overwhelmed

Psychological - difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decision

Question 12

Kids and domestic violence

Answer 12

Seeing their parent get abused = worse on kid usually

Either become really clingy or extremely responsible.

Feel guilt, self-abuse

Question 13

Common trauma responses

Answer 13

1. Hyper-arousal
2. Intrusion
3. Constriction or avoidance

Question 14

What does a physician have to report to local police dept?

Answer 14

• All acute injuries thought to be due to injury due to an intimate partner

Question 15

Physical clues of trauma

Answer 15

1. Facial injuries
2. Unclear/inconsistent mechanisms “defensive injuries”
3. Easy places to cover
4. Delayed presentation

Question 16

Medical clinical clues

Answer 16

• Repeated or recurrent complaints
• Mental health complaints
• Difficulty with pregnancy

Question 17

IPV Screening - best thing to do

Answer 17

Be clear. Ask directly. Be specific (there is shame associated)

Question 18

3 best questions

Answer 18

Do you feel safe in your home?

Do you ever get hit, kicked, slapped or punched?

She can’t remember the 3rd

Question 19

What should you include in your documentation?

Answer 19

Patients own words
Date and time
Patient demeanor
Medical and social history
Injury map
Safety assessment and referral plan