Intimate Partner Violence . Lecture 15 B Flashcards
- Reducing rates of intimate partner violence and sexual violence are sub-objectives of Healthy People 2020 under the main objective of violence prevention.
- This is considered a healthcare issue.
INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE (IPV)(Domestic Violence, Spousal Abuse)
- Interpersonal Violence (IPV), also known as Domestic Violence or Spousal Abuse, encompasses actual or threatened violence in various forms, including:
- Sexual violence
- Physical violence
- Stalking
- Psychological aggression
- Control of reproductive or sexual health by a spouse, ex-spouse, boyfriend, ex-boyfriend, girlfriend, ex-girlfriend, date, or cohabiting partner.
MYTH: IPV IS RARE
- Myth: IPV is rare.
- Fact: IPV is common and affects millions of people in the United States each year.
- Data from the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) indicates that:
- About 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime and reported some form of IPV-related impact.
- Over 43 million women and 38 million men have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
slide 123 and 124
MYTH: BEING PREGNANT PROTECTS A WOMAN FROM IPV
- Myth: Being pregnant protects a woman from IPV.
- Fact: This is a myth. Approximately 4% to 8% of all women who experience IPV do so during pregnancy. In some cases, IPV may escalate during pregnancy. Pregnancy itself can be a result of rape or control of contraception in abusive relationships.
MYTH: IPV ONLY HAPPENS TO WOMEN WHO ARE POOR
- Myth: IPV only happens to women who are poor.
- Fact: This is a myth. IPV can (and does) occur in any family and reaches across all strata of society. Families with more resources may be better at hiding it, but IPV is not limited to any specific socioeconomic group.
MYTH: ONLY PEOPLE FROM ABUSIVE FAMILIES END UP IN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS
- Myth: Only people from abusive families end up in abusive relationships.
- Fact: This is a myth. Many abused women report that their abusive partner was the first person to abuse them. Abusive relationships can happen to individuals from various family backgrounds, and the abuser may not necessarily have a history of abuse in their own family.
MYTH: ONLY MEN WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS ABUSE WOMEN
- Myth: Only men with psychological problems abuse women.
- Fact: This is a myth. Research indicates that only a small number of abusers have psychological problems. Abusive behavior can be exhibited by individuals without underlying psychological issues, and it is not limited to those with diagnosed mental health conditions.
MYTH: ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE CAUSE IPV
- Myth: Alcohol and drug abuse cause IPV.
- Fact: This is a myth. While alcohol or drug use may be involved in some abusive incidents, they are not the underlying cause of IPV. Abusive behavior stems from a complex interplay of factors, and substance abuse can exacerbate existing issues but is not the sole cause.
Nursing Care
Barriers to Seeking Help:
- Stigma associated with IPV.
- Fear that they won’t be believed when they report abuse.
- Fear of reprisal: Concern that if they report and no one helps them, they will return home, the abuser will find out, and a violent situation may ensue.
- Desire to avoid police involvement, which can be intimidating or escalate the situation.
Care Providers’ Self-Assessment:
- Increase knowledge about IPV to provide effective care.
- Awareness of feelings and prejudices that might interfere with communication and being non-judgmental.
- Providing documentation, protection, and an immediate response to ensure the safety of the survivor.
- Offering options and treatment with respect and genuine concern.
- Examining one’s own prejudices and feelings, recognizing the tension between the desire to help and the complex nature of IPV.
MYTH: Woman would leave if it was really that bad (or If it was me I would…)
Nursing Care
Assessment:
- Routine screening of ALL women (universal screening).
- Positive screens should be followed up with a Danger Assessment.
- Utilizing pre-made materials to provide women with information about community resources to streamline the process.
- Assessment of the Cycle of Violence, if applicable.
- Information and referral to women’s shelters.
- Connecting individuals with relevant community resources.
- Developing a safety plan tailored to the survivor’s needs and circumstances.
140-41-42 abuse assessment screen
Client Examination and Interview:
- Clients should be examined and interviewed in a private, confidential setting to ensure their safety and comfort.
Questioning Techniques:
- “Normalize” questions: Use statements that normalize the discussion, such as, “Many families have difficulty dealing with conflict. What is it like for you?” This approach can make the client feel more comfortable in discussing their situation.
- Direct questions: Employ direct, specific questions to gather essential information. For example, ask, “Has your partner hit, slapped, kicked, or otherwise hurt you?” rather than using vague or indirect language like, “Are you suffering from abuse?” Clear and direct questions help ensure accurate information is obtained.
California Penal Code 1160-116.2
California Penal Code 1160-116.2. Health care providers are required to report any physical or sexual abuse of any patient receiving care for that reason or any other.
If more than one provider is caring for the patient then only one report need be filed.