Family Problems - Abuse & Divorce

Question 1

What factors lead to an abusive partner?

Answer 1

• family history of violence and abuse
• the belief that the have the right to dominate their spouses
• when feeling threatened, they stress and lash out to re-establish control

Question 2

What are symptoms of Battered Wife Syndrome?

Answer 2

• become anxious and fearful
• develop emotional disorders
• pattern of learned helplessness

Question 3

What prevents women from leaving an abusive relationship?

Answer 3

• economic issues
• cannot support themselves or children financially
• fear the reaction of their spouse

Question 4

What is child physical abuse?

Answer 4

• involves physical injury or harm to the child

- considered “punishment” by the offender

Question 5

What are warning signs of child physical abuse?

Answer 5

• unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts
• alert of surroundings (flinching, afraid to go home)
• patterned injuries (belt mark)
• inappropriate clothing to cover up

Question 6

What is child emotional abuse?

Answer 6

• severely damages a child’s mental health or social development, leaving lifelong psychological scars
• ie. constant belittling, shaming, and humiliating a child

Question 7

What are warning signs of child emotional abuse?

Answer 7

• excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong
• extremely compliant OR demanding (positive or aggressive)
• doesn’t seem to be attached to parent
• acts either inappropriately adult or infantile

Question 8

What is child sexual abuse?

Answer 8

• doesn’t always involve body contact
  ie. exposing a child to sexual situations or material
• usually occurs at the hand of someone the child knows or should be able to trust

Question 9

What are warning signs of child sexual abuse?

Answer 9

• trouble walking/sitting
• showing knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to their age
• strong efforts to avoid a specific person
• resists changing on front of others or participating in physical activities
• an STD or pregnancy (especially under the age of 14)
• run away from home

Question 10

What is child neglect?

Answer 10

-a pattern of failing to provide for a child’s basic needs
(adequate food, clothing, hygiene, or supervision)
-alcohol or drug abuse may seriously impair judgement and the ability to keep a child safe

Question 11

What are warning signs of neglect?

Answer 11

• clothes are ill-fitting, filthy, or inappropriate for the weather
• hygiene is consistently bad (un-bathed, matted and unwashed hair, noticeable body odour)
• untreated illnesses and physical injuries
• is frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in unsafe situations and environments
• is frequently late or missing from school

Question 12

What important needs are met within a family?

Answer 12

• food/clothing
• social skills
• affection
• motivation
• sense of identity