PACTS Flashcards
define family violence
Any violent, controlling or threatening behaviour by past or present family members.
includes:
- Violent behaviour
- Threatening behaviour
- Controlling behaviour
- By any past or present family member
- Coerces another family member or makes them fearful
who’s counted as family for family violence
- Present or past partners
- Parents
- Step parents
- Siblings
- Carers
- Grandparents
- Uncles and Aunts
- Others who are household member
types of abuse
physical abuse sexual abuse emotional and psychological abuse neglect economic abuse spiritual abuse
whats physical abuse
The use of physical force or objects against a person that results in physical injury eg pushing, hitting
whats sexual abuse
Any completed or attempted sexual act, sexual contact or non-contract sexual interaction which includes penetration, touching a person inappropriately and exposure to sexual activity, filming or prostitution. Eg ouched when they don’t want to be touch, rape
whats emotional abuse
any behaviour that conveys to a person that he/she is worthless, flawed, unloved, unwanted, or valued only in meeting another’s needs. Eg belittle
whats neglect
failure to meet a persons basic physical, emotional, medical or educational needs. Eg not providing food, shelter, financial resources, medical resources
whats economic abuse
not having access to finances
whats spiritual abuse
not being able to practice spiritual activities
who is at risk of family violence
- Women > men;
- Pregnant women > non-pregnant women;
- Young women > older women;
- Indigenous > non-indigenous populations;
- Culturally and linguistically diverse groups > non-CALD groups;
- Women with intellectual or physical disabilities > women without disabilities;
- Lesbian women > gay men;
- Women separating from their partners > Non separated women.
things that make you think o intaminte partner violence
- Recurrent presentations of herself or with her children
- Anxious
- Ashamed or evasive
- Mentions in passing partner out of sorts or a bit angry sometimes
- Often drop cues to see if GP willing to listen “I’ve had a bad week”
The role of healthcare professionals family violence
Paramedics: first point of contact for victims of violence. Can gather additional information from home environment.
Nurses, maternal and child health nurses and midwives: provide home visits, important during and shortly after pregnancy, issues during labour room or postnatal care can be observed.
Social workers: supporting parenting, educating young people and come into contact with victims.
Physio and OT: supporting children and families through rehab and ongoing role with mental health issues or physical disabilities. Clients build trust through ongoing relationship which is important for women and children of high risk.
General practitioner: major healthcare professional women talk to, assist the process of leaving or escaping family violence.
what to do if there is signs of family violence
ask about violence
- no: are there clinical symptoms of concern
- no provide information on IPV in private area
- yes: give information on services and do not pressure to disclose
- Yes: offer first line support, interveiw in private, ensure confidentiality, give practical care, ask about history, help access information, mobiliise supot
- refer to treatment, psychological therapy, IPV advocacy, child witness to psychological therapy
when to think of abuse with Women with disabilities/the elderly
- Unexplained trauma
- Untreated injuries
- Increased visits, calls or attendances
- Symptoms of poor nutrition
- Symptoms of poor hygiene
- Inadequately treated medical problems
- Increased agitation
contributing factors to elder abuse
- Abuser is usually a family member
- Increasing dependency of the elder family member;
- Psychopathology of abuser;
- Alcohol and drug use of abuser;
- PH domestic violence;
- Stress for the carer.
time of risk of family violence
- Natural disasters: drought, fire, cyclones; due to increased stress, perpetrators loss of control (loss of house, employment)
- Pregnancy: during pregnancy and shortly after birth associated with additional stress.
- War and conflict;
- Refugees and migration;
- Times of increased stress e.g. Financial loses, bankruptcy.
indicator of family violence in adults
- Appear nervous
- Describe partner as controlling
- Seem uncomfortable or anxious in presence of partner
- Provide unconvincing explanation for injuries
- Display bruises
- Signs of neglect
indicator of family violence in children and young people
- Bruises
- Fractured bones
- Poisoning
- Wearing long sleeves on hot days
- Displaying fearfulness towards parents/strangers
- Appearing passive