Chapter 5: Violence Against Women

Question 1

What is the most common form of violence against women?

Answer 1

intimate partner violence (which is not exclusive to women)

Question 2

What is intimate partner violence?

Answer 2

complex problem involving emotional distress, personal safety, and social isolation

Question 3

What are some of the reasons that women do not disclose abuse?

4 reasons

Answer 3

• power imbalances
• belief that family matters are private
• feelings of shame
• feelings of fear

Question 4

Very broadly, what is the theory of learned helplessness?

Answer 4

• victim waits out pain instead of trying to escape
• victim exchanges escape skills for coping strategies

Question 5

What are the 2 groups of women that are more affected by abuse?

Answer 5

• poor women – financial dependence and lack of resources
• women with traditional feminine characteristics – more likely to tolerate abuse

Question 6

What are some common symptoms of survivors of abuse?

Answer 6

• PTSD
• flashbacks
• depressive symptoms
• self-blame

Question 7

What are some consequences of IPV when concerning pregnant mother and fetus?

Answer 7

• spontaneous abortion
• preterm delivery
• low birthweight
• neonatal death

Question 8

Where is IPV considered a crime? Why is it controversial to report?

Answer 8

• a crime in all states
• controversial because it takes away a woman’s right to make an informed decision and may put her in danger

Question 9

What are the ABCDE’S of nursing interventions for IPV victims?

Answer 9

• assure her that she is not alone
• stress the belief that no one deserves abuse
• confidentiality
• documentation
• education and resources
• safety – recognize that the most dangerous period for a battered woman is when she is in the process of leaving

Question 10

What are the 3 phases of rape-trauma syndrome?

Answer 10

1. acute phase = disorganization shock, denial, disbelief, embarrassment, fear, anger, self-blaming
2. outward adjustment phase appears to settle back into routines, but has problems with coping
3. long-term process = reorganization rape no longer dominates thoughts and the victim no longer blames self

Question 11

What are some of the signs of IPV and victims of human trafficking?

Answer 11

• STI’s
• multiple abortions