Substance Abuse and Abuse Q 61
Which statement by the client during the initial assessment in the emergency department is most indicative of suspected domestic violence?
A. "I am determined to leave my house in a week."
B. "No one else in the family has been treated like this."
C. "I have only been married for two (2) months."
D. "I have tried leaving, but have always gone back."
Correct Answer: D. “I have tried leaving, but have always gone back.”
Victims develop a high tolerance for abuse. They blame themselves for being victimized. All members of the family suffer from the effects of abuse, even if they are not the actual victims. For these reasons, victims often have an extensive history of abuse and struggle for a long time before they can leave permanently.
Option A: Even when victims decide to leave, it takes them 5 attempts on average before they succeed (Stroshine & Robinson, 2003). Furthermore, some of the problems persist even after they leave (i.e. harassment and violence from the abuser).
Option B: If motivated to do so, victims can learn to overcome learned helplessness, which leads to depression, inadequate problem solving and loss of self-esteem (Lysaker, Clements, Wright, Evans, & Marks, 2001). In certain immigrant communities that do not condone intimate partner abuse, victims can become completely isolated and will need help moving on with their lives (Raj & Silverman, 2003). In general, victims need help creating models of abuse-free relationships with or without their partners, and finding social support that can enhance their independence and self-efficacy.
Option C: Sometimes, victims do not leave because they want to provide a family for their children, depend on the abuser financially, emotionally or their religion forbids them from breaking up a marriage. Mental health professionals usually help victims decide whether to stay or leave the relationship, find shelter if they do decide to leave as well as provide training for skills necessary for independent living.