Domestic and Family Violence (7)

Emotional Abuse

Any behavior pattern that harms a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth

What should you do if a woman denies intimate partner violence but other indicators lead you to suspect abuse?

Be persistent and thorough in the repeated assessment for domestic violence.

For elderly patients, what complicates assessment of abuse or neglect?

Cognitive challenges

What is related to more severe mental and physical health problems?

Cumulative trauma

What type of violence often becomes fatal?

Adolescent relationship violence

What should you do if a woman answers 'yes' to a question on the Abuse Assessment screen?

Assess how recent and serious the abuse was. Convey a sense of concern, emphasize that the abuse is not the woman's fault, and state that help is available.

What is the Danger Assessment tool used for?

Assessing the risk of homicide for a woman who is a suspected victim of intimate partner violence.

How often should a women be asked if she has ever been abused by a husband, boyfriend, or other intimate partner or ex-partner?

At every health care encounter

What do abused women develop more of?

Chronic health problems, such as neurologic, gastrointestinal, and gynecologic disorders, and chronic pain.

What must documentation of abuse include?

Detailed, non-biased progress notes, injury maps, and photographs. Written documentation should include verbatim statements by the victim that identify the reported perpetrator or severe threats of harm.

What is an important part of the evaluation when injury is presented or reported in a child?

Determine the child's age and developmental level

What risk factors may increase maltreatment from a caregiver of children?

Disabilities, poverty, substance abuse in the family, and community violence.

Sexual Abuse

Includes exploitation through prostitution or pornography

What is the Abuse Assessment Screen used to assess for?

Intimate partner violence

Physical Abuse

Non-accidental physical injury

How should you obtain history for a child if the child is verbal?

Obtain a history away from caretakers. Use open-ended questions or spontaneous statements

What are red flags of abuse in elderly patients?

Physical findings that do not match the history

What are the four types of intimate partner violence?

Physical violence, sexual violence, threats of physical or sexual violence, and psychological or emotional abuse.

What types of abuse are defines as elder abuse?

Physical, sexual abuse/abusive sexual contact, psychological or emotional abuse including exposure to threats or coercive tactics, and financial abuse or exploitation.

What is adolescent dating violence?

Physical, sexual, or psychological or emotional violence within a dating relationship and includes stalking

What are common barriers to treatment for abuse?

Societal stressors, legal status, lack of access to culturally responsive care, cultural values, and gender roles.

Neglect

The failure to provide for a child's basic needs

What screening tool is used for adolescent relationship violence?

There is no validated screening tool available. You just have to look out for risk factors.

Should you report abuse or neglect if it is only suspected?

Yes