Domestic Violence Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is Domestic Violence?
A pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors resulting in power and control over an intimate partner.
This includes physical, emotional, and psychological abuse.
Why is couples therapy contraindicated when domestic violence is present?
Because events in session could lead to abusive explosions afterward.
The safety of the victim is a primary concern.
What should therapists do if domestic violence is present in a couple’s therapy?
Refer each member of the couple to their own individual therapist and do not resume couples therapy until DV is no longer present.
This helps ensure safety and appropriate support.
What is a primary step in the treatment of domestic violence victims?
Developing a safety plan with the client.
Safety plans can include emergency contacts, safe places, and resources.
What can providing psychoeducation to the victim of domestic violence help with?
It can help the victim understand the dynamics of abuse and not feel isolated.
Knowledge can empower victims and provide clarity about their situation.
What is the potential impact of confrontational interventions from professionals?
They can re-traumatize the victim and increase feelings of shame, which may prevent progress.
Respecting the victim’s choices is crucial in the therapeutic process.
The decision to leave an abuser should be based on __________.
the client’s self-determination.
Empowering clients in their choices is essential for effective therapy.
What are the three phases of the Cycle of Violence?
Tension Building, Honeymoon Phase, Explosion/Crisis Phase
Each phase represents a different stage in the cycle of violence experienced by the victim.
What occurs during the Tension Building phase?
Minor incidents of physical/emotional abuse, victim feels growing tension, tries to control situation, and experiences ‘walking on eggshells’
This phase is characterized by increasing anxiety for the victim.
What feelings does the victim experience during the Tension Building phase?
Growing tension, anxiety, and a sense of walking on eggshells
The victim attempts to manage the situation to prevent violence.
What is the Honeymoon Phase?
Abuser is sorry, apologetic, displays regret, makes promises it won’t happen again
This phase often diminishes over time, leading to potential recurrence of abuse.
What happens during the Explosion/Crisis Phase?
Actual abuse occurs: physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, etc.
This phase represents the peak of violence in the cycle.
True or False: The Cycle of Violence can repeat itself.
True
The cycle is designed to be recurring, with the potential for each phase to vary in duration.
Fill in the blank: The Tension Building phase is the _______ phase of the Cycle of Violence.
longest
This phase tends to last longer than the others.
What may happen to the Honeymoon Phase over time?
It may disappear
As the cycle continues, this phase often weakens or vanishes.
What should you do FIRST or NEXT when working with a survivor who expresses ambivalence?
Acknowledge ambivalence
Acknowledging ambivalence honors the client’s self-determination and is a good starting point.
What is the difference between acknowledging ambivalence and accepting a client’s decision?
Acknowledging ambivalence is different than accepting their decision as a first step
Accepting a client’s decision is rarely the first step in addressing domestic violence.
What is the MOST important action to take when safety is a concern for a client acknowledging domestic violence?
Develop a safety plan or refer to a DV shelter
Safety-related actions are prioritized over simply acknowledging ambivalence.
What should you do if a client denies there is a problem with domestic violence?
Address the safety issue
Safety planning or psychoeducation are not options when a client denies the problem.
What is a good option when a client denies there is a domestic violence problem?
A DV shelter referral
A DV shelter referral addresses safety without infringing on the client’s self-determination.
Why is safety planning appropriate?
When a client acknowledges there is violence but isn’t ready to leave
Safety planning can be developed after acknowledging the client’s shared concerns.
What is the recommended response when a client shares their ambivalence?
Acknowledge ambivalence before developing a safety plan
This respects the client’s feelings and allows for a tailored approach to safety.
When safety planning is asked as BEST or MOST important action, what should be prioritized?
Safety planning
If the client acknowledges domestic violence, safety planning becomes a critical priority.
Fill in the blank: We can’t safely plan with a client who is _______.
denying there is a problem
Safety planning requires acknowledgment of the issue at hand.
