Violence Chapter 26

Agitation – behavior that is verbally or physically offensive –Forceful attitude or action that is expressed physically, symbolically, or verbally Abuse – intentional misuse of someone or something that results in harm, injury or trauma –Active harm or passive neglect Violence – outburst of physical force that abuses injures, or harms another person or object Neglect – failure to provide for basic needs or by placing the individual’s health or welfare at an unreasonable risk –Children and elders Exploitation- use of an individual for selfish purposes, profit or gain –Child labor

Social Factors and Violence Poverty plays a role in development of aggressive behaviors Lack of fulfilling work leads to poverty, frustration, and violence Young minority men in the US with unemployment rate at 50% has the highest rate of violence

Theories of Violence Psychiatric/Mental Illness model – –Violence as a mental illness Social learning theory – affressive and violent behaviors are learned through role modeling others in environment Sociological theory- –Environmental and social factors cause violence Anthropological theory- –Violence and aggression as a result of the cultural pattern, social organization, sexual differences Feminist theory- –Compulsive masculinity – men behave more aggressively – machismo –Preoccupation with physical strength, athletic prowess, attempts to demonstrate daring, violent, aggressive acts

Social Connectedness Fills basic human need to belong Social relationships are important elements in preventing aggression and violence

Domestic Violence Domestic Violence- abuse and battering within a family Battering- repeated physical abuse of someone, usually a woman or child or elder Victims often are with PTSD A woman is beaten every 15 seconds 1 out of 12 pregnant women suffer physical abuse during pregnancy Functional family unit- clear and supportive communication among all family members –Conflict resolution –Setting of goals –Use of resources inside and outside the family

DV Dysfunctional family – inability or unwillingness to fulfill its basic functions –Inability of a family to meet the needs of its members –Greatly increased risk for aggressive or violent behaviors –Box 25-2

Gender Abuse Woman centered – do not exclude men Common trait of abused woman –Trusting nature –Raised to be non-aggressive and traditional –Believe man is master and protector –Submit to please the man Most abusers cannot be pleased During abuse and after abuse- –Woman has guilt, anger, terror – shattered self-esteem –Suffers in silence –Knows consequences will be severe if she leaves –Cycle of violence Abuser characteristics –Poor emotional control –Superior attitude towards women –History of substance abuse –High levels of jealousy and insecurity –Need to control another’s behaviors Early recognition of the characteristics of potential violence allows for interventions that are more effective

Abuse During Pregnancy Trauma is the leading cause of maternal death during pregnancy Frequency and severity of abuse and potential for homicide is significantly higher for white women Low birth weight infant Preterm deliveries

Child Abuse Pornography Prostitution of a child – sex trade Spanking- main form of discipline in many countries Physical punishment in schools Physical abuse- –Minor bruises, and lacs to severe trauma and death

Sexual abuse- rape, incest, fondling, intercourse Emotional Abuse- rejection, criticism, terrorizing, isolation Neglect –Physical – failure to provide for basic needs, food clothing, shelter and safe environment –Medical Care – refusal to seek tx when it is needed – delays to seek tx is seen in abused children –Munchausen by proxy- caretakers create signs and symptoms of illness in their child, in order to receive attention form health care providers

Shaken Baby- vigorous shaking of an infant that leads to whiplash induced bleeding within the brain with no external signs of trauma

Adolescent Abuse They “had it coming” Emotional disorders arise from history of insecurity and self survival result in: –Eating disorders –Substance abuse –Delinquent behaviors –PTSD –Suicide attempts Premature sexual activity is common –Unwanted pregnancies –STDs –AIDS Fatal accidents, murder and suicide 1 in 4 violent crimes is committed by an adolescent

Girls more often than boys are abused Women who were repeatedly abused in childhood are 3x more likely to be abused as adults Boys more likely to suffer abuse outside the home by peers and others Most common form of abuse occurs between siblings –Considered “normal” “kids will be kids” –Can have long lasting effects

Elder Abuse Neglect and exploitation most common

Sexual Abuse Incest- between members of the same family Child victims suffer: –Mental health disorders –Chronic headaches to depression –PTSD to severe personality disorders Sexually abused adults are most often women

Violence, Trauma and Crime Homicide – taking the life of another Violence breeds physical and emotional pain Basic needs of trust and autonomy are threatened

Group Abuse When a group within itself is kind and gentle but when looked at by others and senses a threat can inflict violence and hostility

PTSD Persistently relive the trauma event through intrusive thoughts or distressing dreams Intense fear, horror, hopelessness Sudden arrival of intrusive thoughts – referred to as FLASHBACKS Psychological numbing Ability to feel emotions is reduced – love, intimacy and sexuality

Rape Trauma Syndrome Realize they have lived through the trauma but wished they had died Feelings of violation Anger, frustration, loss of control, fear, shame, and guilt haunt the victims Silent rape trauma – victim carries the burden alone

Stages of Recovery Impact – disorganization – minutes to days Recoil – struggle to adapt – weeks to months Reorganization – reconstruction – months to years

Special Assessments Forensic evidence – information gathered for legal purposes Consent

Treatment Do not leave the client alone Prevention as a Caregiver: –Gut level –6 th sense –Recognize anxiety, frustration, agitation –Prevent escalation