Abuse Chapter 12

Abuse

wrongful use and maltreatment of another individual

Violent Family Characteristics

banter, neglect, physical/emotional/sexual abuse

Cycle Abuse

a pattern of repeated abuse characterized by phases of tension building, acute explosion, and honeymoon.

Tension Building Phase

the initial stage of the cycle of abuse where tension begins to rise, leading to increased conflict and potential for violence.

Abuser during Tension Building Phase 

moody, irritable, nitpicky

withdrawal affection, isolate partner 

makes threats or use put-downs

use drug/alcohol 

engage in criticizing, crazy-making, minor aggression 

Victims response Tension Building Phase 

tries to calm/please the abuse, quite/agreeable, nurture the abuser, avoid friend/family, cook favorite meals, give space, walks on eggshell 

attempts to prevent escalation 

Acute Explosion Phase 

the stage in the cycle of abuse where the abuser loses control and violent behavior escalates, resulting in physical or emotional harm to the victim

Abuser during Acute Phase

hitting, choking, humiliation, imprisonment/controlling behavior, rape, destruction of property, use of weapons, severe emotions/physical harm

Victims Response Acute Explosion Phase

tries to protect themselves in any way possible, may call police, try to reason with the abuse, fight back/leave, focus on survival 

Honeymoon Phase

the phase following the acute explosion where the abuser shows remorse, makes promises to change, and may act lovingly toward the victim, temporarily restoring a sense of calm.

Abusers during Honeymoon Phase 

apologize, begs for forgiveness, promise to get help (church/therapy), buys gifts/flower, affectionate, loving, remorseful

Victims Response for Honeymoon Phase

feels hopeful, stay/return, stop legal action, counseling appointments

Center of Cycle: Denial

denial of the severity of the abuse

abuse blames stress, alcohol, or the victim

victims believes it wasn’t bad or it won’t happen again

Intimate Partner Violence

a pattern of abusive behavior in a romantic relationship that can include physical, emotional, or psychological harm.

Characteristics of Intimate Partner Violence

Physical: abuse of shoving, battery, chocking

Psychological: manipulation, isolation, threats

Sexual: coercion, forced sexual acts, unwanted touching.

Abusers View during Intimate Partner Violence

partner is their property and owns them, strong indecency, low self-esteem

Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence

laws of arrest, restraining order, recognizing stalking, temporary housing for shelter, counseling services, safety planning, and support groups

Child Abuse

is the physical, sexual, or emotional mistreatment or neglect of a child. It can lead to severe long-term effects on the child's physical and mental health.

Characteristics of Child Abuse

neglect to prevent harm, failure of adequate physical/emotional care, abandonment, sexual assault/intrusion/torture

Parents View as a Child Abuser

view child as property, immature/needy/incapable of meeting own needs, adult victims of abuse 

cycle of family violence (raising a child as they were raised)

Child abuse signs

injuries, fractures, burns, laceration without hx

delayed to seeking tx

inconsistency of medical hx 

unusual injury in comparison to developmental age 

genital injuries

injuries visible but not reported 

Child Abuse Interventions

child safety, psychiatric eval, social services

Elder Abuse

mistreatment of older adults, including physical, emotional, financial abuse, or neglect.

Who are commonly abusers of elders

care take, older spouse, senior bully

Elder Abuse Symptoms

bruises or fracture

lacking needed assistive devises 

denied food/fluid/med

restrained to bed/chair 

drained of financial resources 

withholding medical care 

Elder Abuse Interventions 

caregiver stress relief, possible removal of elder or caregiver 

Rape and Sexual Assault Abuse

involving non-consensual sexual acts or behavior, often against vulnerable individuals.

Forms of Rape and Sexual Assault Abuse

substance facilitated

stranger

known person 

marriage (forceful/cohabitation)

forced abortion 

not allowing contraceptives 

Rape dynamics

exertion of power, control, infliction of pain or punishment

Myths of Rape

Rape about having sex

women submitting to rape: she wants it

women dressing provocatively invites it

walking alone is an invitation for rape 

Marriages don’t have rape

heterosexual get raped only

rape is crime of passion

What is Consent

mutual agreement, clear yes, without pressure

Not say No does not mean Yes 

Consent is not given when

violent or threatened

<17 yrs of age 

impaired 

unconsciousness/physical unable to resist 

lack of mental capacity

Rape Trauma Syndrome

a condition that occurs in victims of rape, characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Rape Trauma Syndrome Phases

Acute, Outward Adjustment, Resolution 

Acute Phase: Rape Trauma Syndrome

wide range of emotions possible 

expressive (crying, yelling)

controlled (flat affect, outwardly calm)

shocked disbelief (disorientation, difficulty concentrating)

Outward Adjustment Phase: Rape Trauma Syndrome

individual resumes normal daily activties but suffers from symptoms that include 

sleeping/eating disturbance 

physical pain

guilt/blaming behavior

suicidal ideation 

flashbacks 

sexual dysfunction 

Resolution Phase: Rape Trauma Syndrome

Assault no longer the central focus of individuals life; pain symptoms decrease over time; coming to acceptance 

Community Violence 

focuses on improving health outcomes for specific groups, emphasizing prevention, education, and access to care.

Bullying: community Violence

ostracism (excludes)

Hazing (making a person do things against their will in group setting)