Week 5 - Law and Victims

Question 1

What are common predictors of victimization?

Answer 1

Prior history of abuse

Substance abuse

Economic/financial hardship

Mental disorder/personality disorder

Young age

Low education

Social isolation

Pregnancy

Question 2

What is the prevalence of depression among IPV survivors?

Answer 2

Approximately 35-51% (Dillon et al., 2013). The severity and chronicity of IPV increase depressive symptoms.

Depressive symptoms increase when experiencing multiple categories of IPV.

Question 3

How does depression impact daily functioning in IPV victims?

Answer 3

Impaired motivation

Increased conflict with partners - partner believes victim should be doing more arounnd house

Reduced ability to defend oneself - care less for wellbeing

Decreased self-esteem and life satisfaction

Question 4

PTSD and IPV

Answer 4

strongly associated, greater severity/chronicity and more forms contribute to symptomology

comorbid with depression

sleep disturbances, concentration problems - make it worse

hypervigilance - trigger partner

Question 5

How does IPV affect sleep?

Answer 5

quality and quantity of sleep, feel the need to always be alert

dangerous because being asleep can be used by the perpetrator as justification for violence

Perpetrators may limit victims’ sleep, leading to confusion and impaired functioning

nightmares, grinding teeth, stress related tight sleeping

reduced ability to cope w violence

Question 6

IPV and suicide and self harm

Answer 6

consistent association

women - physical and sexual abuse - 3-4x more likely to attempt

self-harm = “dealing with”

suicide = “way out”

Question 7

victim blaming

Answer 7

common
victims blame selves, perpetrators blame victims, third parties (why didnt she just leave)

third parties more likely to suggest relationship improving

negative mental health outcomes - positive if victim is reassured (most victims reach out)

Question 8

victim blaming predictors

Answer 8

men - blame women, be blamed
older, less education - more likely to blame
defy norms, provoking behaviours - increase chance of being blamed

frequency = more blame, severity = less blame

Question 9

SUD and IPV Victimization

Answer 9

higher likelihood of IPV victimization

Alcohol abuse is the most prevalent

also negative outcomes w/o IPV

Coercive control may discourage treatment

partners may encourage substance use.

substance use to cope

Question 10

Illicit Drug Use and IPV

Answer 10

raises the likelihood

report using substances immediately following IPV incidents

use may be used to “numb” chronic pain and cope with stress

Question 11

How does substance use among women affect perceptions of victimhood?

Answer 11

Women who drink or use substances are often viewed as violating traditional feminine gender roles, which increases victim blaming against them.

Question 12

What psychological effects do women experience when engaging in substance use as victims?

Answer 12

Substance use can lead to increased self-blame, shame, and feelings of depression and anxiety among victims.

Question 13

How does substance use impact the credibility of victims in cases of abuse?

Answer 13

Victims who use substances are perceived as less truthful, making it more difficult for them to accuse their abusive partners.

Question 14

What is the Just World Theory, and how does it relate to victim blaming?

Answer 14

The Just World Theory suggests that “bad things happen to bad people.” Individuals who believe this are more likely to blame victims when they perceive any moral transgressions, such as alcohol or substance use.

Question 15

Chronic Pain and IPV Victimization

Answer 15

Victims often report experiencing disabling pain long after separating from their abuser.

swollen joints, back aches, neck pain, stomach cramps, and chronic headaches.

Question 16

Pain Management Issues

Answer 16

IPV victims may use pain medication more frequently.

Women often have their pain claims dismissed by healthcare providers

Question 17

Physical Health Risks Associated with IPV

Answer 17

heart attacks, heart disease, hypertension, thrombosis, and strokes.

fatigue, allergies, sensory problems, respiratory issues, bone/muscle conditions, diabetes, malnutrition, and gastrointestinal issues.

Question 18

What are disorders that are made worse by psychological features?

Answer 18

Somatoform Disorders: Physical symptoms with no clear physical cause, linked to psychological factors; more common in IPV victims.

Psychosomatic Disorders: Physical symptoms exacerbated by stress; IPV victims are at higher risk.

Question 19

Impact on Daily Life

Answer 19

IPV victims struggle to maintain a “normal life.”

feelings of alienation, making it difficult to connect with others.

may feel they have a “terrible secret”

Difficulties in forming new intimate relationships

Question 20

Enjoyment and Leisure

Answer 20

psychological impact of IPV can hinder a victim’s capacity for enjoyment and leisure activities.

further exacerbate mental health issues

Question 21

Financial Abuse Overview

Answer 21

perpetrator controlling the victim’s finances to enforce dependency and fear

control is associated with PTSD and contributes to feelings of being trapped

Question 22

Challenges in Leaving

Answer 22

Financial control makes it difficult for victims to plan to leave

Victims may be forced into roles (e.g., stay-at-home parent), increasing financial stress on the household.

Question 23

Economic Autonomy and IPV

Answer 23

empowers women, reducing financial dependence and stress.

for every 10% increase in financial exclusion, there was a 2% decrease in recent IPV.

Economic independence may lead to conflicts in spending decisions

Question 24

Definition of Embodiment

Answer 24

Embodiment is an individual’s perception and experience of their own body, including feelings of ownership and control.

Question 25

Impact of IPV on Embodiment

Answer 25

IPV can disrupt a victim’s sense of embodiment through trauma, affecting mental and physical health, self-identity, and relationships

Question 26

Dimensions of Embodiment

Answer 26

Body Connection and Comfort: Feeling at ease in one’s body. Agency and Functionality: Sense of control over bodily actions. Experience and Expression of Desire: Ability to recognize and express desires. Engagement in Self-Care Practices: Caring for one’s body. Resistance to Self-Objectification: Not viewing oneself merely as an object.

Question 27

Protective Responses to Trauma

Answer 27

Bodily Dissociation: Disconnection from bodily experiences to avoid pain and trauma; can lead to feeling detached from one’s body. Disembodiment: Feeling of detachment where one perceives trauma as happening to someone else

Question 28

Emotional Consequences of Disembodiment

Answer 28

Victims may feel anxiety and shame about their bodies, particularly in violent relationships involving sexual violence Physical scars can remind victims of violence and evoke feelings of weakness or shame

Question 29

Loss of Embodiment and Self-Perception

Answer 29

Low sense of embodiment can lead victims to legitimize sexual violence and violations of bodily autonomy Victims may see their bodies as limitations in defending themselves

Question 30

Sexual Abuse and Gynaecological Health

Answer 30

Sexual abuse in IPV is linked to various gynaecological symptoms, including: Endometriosis Bleeding after intercourse Pain or burning during urination Pain during intercourse incidence of abnormal Pap smears, higher rates of cervical cancer, and higher occurrence of STIs

Question 31

Sexual Decision-Making and IPV

Answer 31

IPV affects victims’ sexual decision-making and free choice. feel coerced or fear harm increasing risks of STIs and unwanted pregnancies Consider the out-of-hospital healthcare costs

Question 32

Unwanted Pregnancies and IPV

Answer 32

Unwanted pregnancies can lead women to seek termination, which may increase the risk of IPV. Women diagnosed with infertility or those who experience miscarriages face increased risk for IPV victimization.

Question 33

Perinatal IPV Overview

Answer 33

refers to abuse occurring before, during, or after pregnancy up to one year postpartum

Question 34

IPV Health Impacts During Pregnancy

Answer 34

premature labor, miscarriage, low birth weight, and neonatal death IPV during pregnancy may lead to inadequate nutrition and prenatal care affect maternal attachment, leading mothers to view their children negatively

Question 35

Stressors Associated with Perinatal IPV

Answer 35

Perinatal IPV can arise from stress related to parenting, financial issues, and shifts in family dynamics Traditional gender roles may contribute to conflict, with men viewing women as solely responsible for child-rearing

Question 36

Definition of Intimate Partner Femicide

Answer 36

refers to the homicide of a woman by her current or former intimate partner most common form of homicide perpetrated against women.

Question 37

Additional Victims and Outcomes

Answer 37

Secondary Victims: Approximately 10-25% of IPF cases involve an additional victim. Perpetrator's Suicide: About 30-40% of IPF cases include the suicide of the perpetrator.

Question 38

Challenges in Prediction of IPF

Answer 38

while risk assessment tools exist for severe violence, they struggle to differentiate between predictions for IPV and IPF

Question 39

Preventability and Intervention Opportunities for IPF

Answer 39

IPF cases are often preventable, typically occurring after missed opportunities for intervention by those aware of the situation (family, friends, professionals) often arises during serious disputes

Question 40

Warning Signs of Potential IPF

Answer 40

Warning signs may include stalking behaviors, ultimatums, or conditional threats (e.g., “if you don’t...”) perpetrator must demonstrate a capacity for life-threatening violence, indicated by violent ideation, history of violence, or recent escalation in behavior

Question 41

Underlying Issues of IPF Perpetrators

Answer 41

mental or emotional issues, serious substance use, and mental illnesses (e.g., psychosis, depression) Nihilistic or suicidal thoughts are common among perpetrators

Question 42

Definition of Secondary Victims

Answer 42

individuals who are not the primary targets of violence but suffer direct or indirect effects due to IPV witnesses, bystanders, or those targeted for intervening, as well as children, family members, friends, and even strangers

Question 43

Impact on Children as Secondary Victims

Answer 43

most common secondary victims of IPV IPV is more prevalent in homes with children 81% of children present during IPV witness psychological violence, and ~82% witness physical violence severe psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms

Question 44

Impact on Preschool Children (Ages 2-5)

Answer 44

higher risk due to their reliance on parents for safety and lack of agency negatively impacts self-esteem, social skills, and can lead to physical health issues

Question 45

Behavioral Manifestations in Preschool Children

Answer 45

externalizing: manifesting internal feelings externally, aggression, hyperactivity, and antisocial behavior due to disrupted emotion regulation internalizing: making an attitude or belief a central part of oneself - anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and feelings of worthlessness, impacting self-esteem

Question 46

PTSD Symptoms in Preschool Children

Answer 46

IPV exposure can lead to heightened emotional arousal and trigger PTSD-like symptoms. some meet full PTSD criteria intrusive memories, emotional (thoughts and feelings) and behavioral (places and people) avoidance (traumatic avoidance), and hyperarousal to perceived dangers

Question 47

Resilience in Children and Adolescents

Answer 47

ability to adapt positively despite exposure to trauma or stress, leading to good outcomes reflected in achieving developmental goals (academic, social, etc.) and maintaining emotional and behavioral health

Question 48

Protective Factors for Resilience

Answer 48

Individual Level Factors: Engagement in positive social activities and educational aspirations. Development of emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and self-control. Family Level Factors: Warm, loving parental relationships and socioeconomic advantages. Healthy coping strategies taught by parents and positive parental mental health.

Question 49

Resilience and Parental Influence

Answer 49

Effective parenting can enhance resilience; parents can model healthy coping and conflict resolution. Mothers experiencing IPV may strive to be better parents, promoting resilience in children

Question 50

Impact of IPV on Adolescents

Answer 50

Exposure to IPV during adolescence can hinder the transition to adulthood and disrupt identity development. risk of depression, post-traumatic symptoms, and substance use

Question 51

Adolescent Vulnerabilities

Answer 51

Adolescence is critical for developing social competence and forming peer relationships Risk Factors: Maladjustment and negative coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, can arise from IPV exposure

Question 52

Protective Factors in Adolescence

Answer 52

Adolescents may find support outside the family, which can reduce vulnerability to the impacts of IPV. As peer relationships become more important, positive social interactions can foster resilience

Question 53

Victim Resources for IPV

Answer 53

Domestic Violence Shelters: Temporary safe housing for victims and children. Hotlines: advice, safety planning, and emotional support. Legal Advocacy: Navigates legal aspects of separating from a violent partner, assists with protective orders, custody, and criminal charges. Financial Assistance: medical expenses, lost wages, and housing. Counseling/Therapy: process trauma, empower, survivor support groups

Question 54

IPV Screening

Answer 54

Detecting unnoticed conditions, such as IPV victimization. Healthcare Professionals' Role - first to encounter IPV victims

Question 55

Signs of IPV

Answer 55

Physical injuries, frequent/repeated injuries. Delays in treatment, missed appointments. Reluctance to be examined, sudden onset of mental health concerns. Partner shows controlling behavior.

Question 56

Who Should Be Screened?

Answer 56

Patients with injuries (especially in the emergency department). Pregnant individuals, those with STIs, chronic abdominal or head pain. Screen everyone at initial primary care visits.

Question 57

How to Conduct IPV Screening

Answer 57

Start with a normalizing statement to make patients comfortable. screening is done privately provide support for patients experiencing IPV Offer assistance and resources

Question 58

assessing victims safety

Answer 58

in danger of imminent or severe violence? safety plan should account for unique experience

Question 59

ways to help with victim safety

Answer 59

preparing a go-bag arrange for place to stay arrange for a signal identify dangerous rooms in home

Question 60

Assault (s. 265):

Answer 60

With a weapon or causing bodily harm (s. 267) Aggravated assault (s. 268)

Question 61

Charges for Kidnapping & Confinement

Answer 61

Kidnapping (s. 279) Forcible Confinement (s. 279(2))

Question 62

Homicide-Related Charges

Answer 62

Murder (s. 229) Manslaughter (s. 232(1)) Attempted Murder (s. 239)

Question 63

Sexual Assault Charges

Answer 63

Sexual Assault (s. 271) With a weapon or causing bodily harm (s. 272) Aggravated sexual assault (s. 273)

Question 64

Violations of Court Orders

Answer 64

Disobeying Court Orders (s. 127) Failure to Comply with Probation (s. 733.1) Breach of Recognizance/Peace Bond (s. 811)

Question 65

Harassment and Mischief Charges

Answer 65

Criminal Harassment (s. 264) Indecent/Harassing Phone Calls (s. 372) Trespassing at Night (s. 177) Mischief (s. 430)

Question 66

Uttering Threats and Theft Charges

Answer 66

Uttering Threats (s. 264.1) Theft (s. 322) Extortion (s. 346) Financial Abuse (various theft codes)

Question 67

Sentences for Assault

Answer 67

Assault: Up to 5 years 10 years for using a weapon or causing bodily harm 14 years for aggravated assault

Question 68

Sentences for Kidnapping & Confinement

Answer 68

Kidnapping: Up to life imprisonment Forcible Confinement: Up to 10 years

Question 69

Sentences for Murder and Manslaughter

Answer 69

Murder: Life imprisonment Manslaughter: Sentence varies

Question 70

Sentences for Sexual Assault

Answer 70

Up to 10 years 14 years for using a weapon or causing bodily harm Life imprisonment for aggravated sexual assault

Question 71

Sentences for Court Order Violations

Answer 71

Disobeying Court Orders: Up to 2 years Failure to Comply with Probation/Peace Bond: Up to 4 years

Question 72

Sentences for Harassment and Mischief

Answer 72

Criminal Harassment: Up to 10 years Indecent/Harassing Phone Calls: Up to 2 years Mischief: Varies, up to life imprisonment if threatening life

Question 73

Sentences for Uttering Threats and Theft

Answer 73

Uttering Threats: Up to 2 years, 5 years if death threat or bodily harm Theft: Varies, up to 10 years

Question 74

Sentencing First-Time Offenders

Answer 74

Justice System's Aim: Punishment and opportunity for rehabilitation - leniency Low likelihood of reoffending, increasing chances of rehabilitation.

Question 75

first time offender victim frustration

Answer 75

Victims may have suffered abuse for years. Unreported abuse not considered in court can lead to frustration with leniency. Many perpetrators may have a history of abuse despite no prior convictions. victim statements considered

Question 76

The Role of the Police – Preventing IPV

Answer 76

Police can stop immediate violence and arrest the perpetrator. Gather evidence: photos, property damage, statements to build a case. Mandatory charging when enough evidence exists develop safety plans

Question 77

peace bonds

Answer 77

offence has not been committed (or there is no evidence), but a victim fears some criminal activity, they can contact the police (or court) to request a peace bond. no contact, no weapons

Question 78

Progressive Police Views/Proactive Attitudes & Training

Answer 78

understanding complexity of IPV understanding victim barriers, help avoid victim blaming belief that preventing IPV is an important duty recognizing signs of IPV

Question 79

Problematic Police Views/Reactive Attitudes

Answer 79

simplifying - relying on stereotypes, prevents appropriate action iPV tolerance - accepting or justifying, misogyny minimal involvement - believing police shouldnt be involved or that intervention doesnt work belief that victim is responsible - provide worse assistance

Question 80

Police Perpetration of IPV

Answer 80

cited as 40% - inaccurate job stress - may adopt a warrior mentality, access to weapons adds risk blue wall of silence victim finds it harder to reach out when abuser is the authority

Question 81

the role of lawyers - assisting victims

Answer 81

Help victims understand and manage the complex legal system. give restraining orders, family law protection orders legal support in family matters - divorce, custody defense lawyers work to undermine victims some lawyers lack proper IPV education

Question 82

Victims’ Concerns About Lawyers

Answer 82

lack of IPV knowledge, didnt understand trauma, did not screen properly for IPV, judgemental attitudes, advise against raising climes, errors, didnt understand impact on children

Question 83

Role of Judges in IPV Cases

Answer 83

Neutral arbitrators who make decisions on protective orders, sentencing, bail, custody, and restitution tone a judge sets—through fairness, accuracy, and efficiency—can affect a victim’s court experience. Positive statements from a judge can lead to improved mental health outcomes for victims

Question 84

Keira’s Law

Answer 84

a child murdered after IPV warnings were ignored. Introduces continued education for judges on IPV

Question 85

Juries in IPV Cases

Answer 85

less likely to be triers of fact in IPV cases but can be involved in cases of severe violence may have biases or misconceptions about IPV

Question 86

Jurors’ Knowledge of IPV

Answer 86

Educated jurors tend to make more informed and appropriate decisions.

Question 87

Expert Witnesses in IPV Cases

Answer 87

Provide specialized knowledge in IPV cases (e.g., psychologists, social workers). May conduct risk assessments

Question 88

Expert Testimony Criteria for admissibility

Answer 88

must be necessary, relevant, provided by a qualified expert, and not be subject to exclusionary rule - Mohan relevant and reliable, scientific knowledge/methodology, judge has final decision - Daubert

Question 89

Expert Witness Credibility

Answer 89

should remain impartial, as bias can damage credibility. Accurate, professional, and empathetic testimony is crucial when recounting victim experiences.

Question 90

"Hired Guns":

Answer 90

Experts paid to support one side may face criticism if their testimony is not considered accurate or impartial.

Question 91

Therapeutic Jurisprudence

Answer 91

concept that courts affect the well-being of those who pass through the system, so they should maximize their "healing potential."

Question 92

Empowered vs. Disempowered Victims

Answer 92

Positive Experiences: Empowered, informed, and well-treated victims are more likely to seek legal help again. Negative Experiences: Victims who feel ignored, silenced, or treated poorly are less likely to pursue further help and may feel voiceless or powerless.

Question 93

Case Outcome and Victims’ Experiences

Answer 93

Successful Conviction: Leads to satisfaction, closure, and a sense of justice. Failed Conviction: Results in stress, financial hardship, vulnerability, and decreased likelihood of seeking help in the future, especially if fear is involved.

Question 94

Secondary Victimization by Law Enforcement

Answer 94

additional harm or trauma experienced by victims after reporting IPV, often due to interactions with police and courts. Lack of assistance or prosecution increases PTSD symptoms, Harmful police questioning

Question 95

Secondary Victimization by Courts

Answer 95

legal process can feel dehumanizing for victims, especially if they experience poor empathy, lack of validation, or poor communication Victims may feel powerless, ignored, or humiliated

Question 96

Secondary Victimization by Healthcare

Answer 96

may avoid addressing IPV due to time constraints, discomfort, or assumptions about victims’ willingness Overemphasis on mental health diagnoses rather than IPV’s impact may make victims feel blamed or "crazy,"

Question 97

Preventing Secondary Victimization in Healthcare

Answer 97

Mental health professionals should make victims feel believed and supported. Provide counseling, therapy, and appropriate referrals without dismissing the impacts of IPV

Question 98

Article 1 results - violence

Answer 98

insulting/talking down and screaming/cursing were the most commonly experienced forms of abuse. Then threats and physical violence. Multiple types of abuse are common.

Question 99

article 1 Results – Health Care

Answer 99

Most participants reported abuse having an effect on their health Transportation and cost were the most common barriers. Mental health was the most common unmet health need. well-child care and immunizations was the most common unmet need for children.

Question 100

article 1 results - Health Care Interactions

Answer 100

More than half said they hadn’t been screened for IPV The more often providers ask about abuse, the more likely women are to disclose it. LGBTQ individuals and those with childcare difficulties were less likely to endorse screening.

Question 101

Reasons for not disclosing article 1 -

Answer 101

feelings of shame or guilt, lack of privacy, worries about retaliatory violence, loss of custody, and judgment by healthcare professionals.

Question 102

article 2 - five main themes

Answer 102

Awareness of survivors' experiences Gap in judicial actors' knowledge Understanding of perpetrator tactics and risk factors Risks associated with disclosing mental health problems Training and guidance

Question 103

Awareness of Survivors' Experiences - article 2

Answer 103

impact of IPV poorly understood, lack of empathy, face stereotypes, unfair treatment

Question 104

Gap in Judicial Actors' Knowledge - article 2

Answer 104

need for greater awareness of the gendered nature of IPV exist perceptions of women as histrionic can decontextualize responses to IPV Maternal mental illness is used to invalidate allegations of child abuse

Question 105

Understanding of Perpetrator Tactics and Risk Factors - article 2

Answer 105

Decisions about protection orders and custody often do not consider: Perpetrator substance misuse, Suicidal threats, Use of sexualized violence Litigation coercion is not well understood - financial resources maintain power, control, and harassment through the legal system

Question 106

Risks Associated with Disclosing Mental Health Problems - article 2

Answer 106

fear being blamed or stigmatized discouraged from seeking mental health services during the legal process sexist double standard exists in the legal system Women are seen as responsible for their children and are blamed for "failing to protect"

Question 107

Training and Guidance - article 2

Answer 107

Important areas for consideration include: Dynamics and impact of IPV Effectiveness of risk assessment tools Perpetrator tactics Intersections between IPV, substances, and mental health Trauma-informed judicial responses Understanding bias

Question 108

PTSD vs. Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS)

Answer 108

PTSS: General symptoms of trauma. Full PTSD: Requires 7+ symptoms for at least 1 month with significant impairment in functioning.

Question 109

Differences in PTSD Manifestation: Children vs. Adults

Answer 109

Key Difference: PTSD manifests differently in children compared to adults. Developmental regression: Children may "go backwards" in developmental milestones. Trauma-specific play: Reenactment of trauma in play. Emotional & behavioural changes: Externalizing behaviour such as tantrums.

Question 110

Core PTSD Symptoms in Children

Answer 110

Intrusive recollections (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares) Avoidance behaviours Changes in cognition & affect Hyperarousal & hypervigilance Impacts on memory