Professional Development

Question 1

Social exchange theory

Answer 1

based on the idea of totaling potential benefits and losses to determine behavior. A client will leave a bettering relationship when the alternative is seen as better than the current situation.

Question 2

Signs of abuse

Answer 2

Suspicious injury, Somatic complaints, behavioral presentation, controlling/coercive behavior of the partner.

Question 3

Cycle of Violence

Answer 3

Phase 1: Tension building
Phase 2: Battering incident - the shortest period of the cycle, lasts a brief time
Phase 3: “Loving-contrition” (absence of tension or “honeymoon” phase) - batter offers profuse apologies; assures attacks will never happen again and declares love and caring

Question 4

reasons that clients stay

Answer 4

hope that the abuser will change
isolation
fears that no one will believe the seriousness of the abuse
abuser puts up barricades so client won’t leave the relationship.
Dangers of leaving may pose a greater danger than remaining with the batterer
the client may not have the economic resources to survive on his or her own

Question 5

Guidelines for interventions

Answer 5

according to most literature, traditional marital/couples therapy is not appropriate in addressing abuse in the family. It puts victims in greater danger of further abuse.
MEdical needs and safety are priorities. Note: Consider domestic violence in the context of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
In working with a victim of abuse, trust is a major issue in establishing a therapeutic alliance.