Causes and Consequences of Family Violence

Causes and Consequences of Family Violence

Brandi Frost

08/03/2015

BSHS/407

Dr. Tanisha Laidler

     Introduction

In this paper I will be talking about the fallowing topics. The basic definition of family violence,  what indicators a counselor should be aware of when assessing a child and his or her family,  exploring  what the long term effects violence has on the family, determining what triggers could be associated in family violence. And what the implications associated with abuse and neglect.

     Family violence is the willful intimidation physical assault battery, sexual assault and or abusive behaviors. Family violence is also called domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and relationship violence and or interpersonal violence and is a pattern of intentionally violent or controlling behavior used by a person against a family member.

There are many indications that help a counselor to determine whether a child or the adult are being abused. One indicator is location and type of injuries the victim or victims has suffered. This can help the counselor to understand the location of the injury and see what types of injuries were involved. This helps the counselor to talk to the person over the care of the victim to see if they feel they have not done anything wrong, do not believe the child is suffering from any physical injury, and to see the care takers behavior (Wallace, 2014).

The second indicator is psychological and behavioral symptoms. Some children being physically abused is overlooked because they cover their injuries by clothing or other things so no one can see. It is important for professionals to be aware of the psychological or behavioral actions in case the child is covering up the physical or mental abuse at home. Examples of behavioral indicators is a child who is easy frightened or fearful of adults, destructive to their self or others, aggressive or poor social behavior, learning problems, development of runaway problems, accident probe, and wears clothing that are meant to keep the body covered (Wallace, 2014).

Physical indicators consist of unexplained bruises or welts that may be in different stages of healing.  The bruises or welts can be in unusual pattern or spread over different areas. Open sores that have not been taken care of can be another sign. Unexplained burn marks that are shaped like a cigarette, rope, and other objects. Human bite marks, bald spots on the victim’s body, skeletal injuries, spiral fractures, and appearance of injuries after school absences (Wallace, 2014).

When a professional talks to the care taker they should pay attention to their explanations of the injuries. Some caretakers explanations will change, not make sense, or do not add up to what the medical report has stated. Stories may change and the expressions on the caregivers face when asked questions may be different.  The caretaker or caretakers should be questioned separately. This can help the professional see if their stories are the same or different and who may be the abuser. If the victim is old enough the professional should also ask them how the accident took place. This can help the professional see indications on what had happened to cause the visit to the medical center (Wallace 2014).