Causes and Consequences of Family Violence

Causes and Consequences of Family Violence

Shari L Hess

BSHS/407

Monday, September 26, 2016

Adam Chidekel

Causes and Consequences of Family Violence

Family violence is when someone uses abusive behavior to control and/or harm a member of their family, or someone with whom they have an intimate relationship (About Family Violence, 2015). Family violence includes many different forms of physical and emotional abuse, as well as neglect carried out by family members or intimate partners (About family Violence, 2015). It may include a single act of violence or a number of acts that form a pattern of abuse (About Family Violence, 2015).

There are many indicators that counselors can look for to determine if a child or an adult is being abused. Location and type of injuries is a good indicator of abuse. The caretaker of a child is included in discussions so the counselor can determine if the caretaker was involved. The counselor can also determine if the child has physical injuries that might need a physician’s attention (Wallace, 2014). Psychological and behavioral symptoms are another indicator of abuse. Children that are physically abused will cover their injuries so no one can see. Professionals need to be aware of the behaviors of the child as they may be covering up the physical or mental abuse at home as well. Behavioral indicators that might be displayed include a child that is easily frightened, fearful of adults, destructive to their self or others, aggressive or poor social behavior, learning problems, development of runaway problems, accident prone, and wears clothing that is meant to keep the body covered (Wallace, 2014). Physical indicators are unexplained bruises or welts that may be in different stages of healing. The bruises or welts could be in an unusual pattern or spread over different areas. Open sores, burn marks that are shaped like objects such as cigarettes, or rope are some other injuries to be aware of. Other indicators of abuse are human bite marks, bald spots on the victim’s body, skeletal injuries, spinal fractures, and appearance of injuries after long school absences (Wallace, 2014).

Professionals who talk to caregivers must pay attention to the explanations that are given. Some explanations will not add up with the injuries in the medical report, may not make sense at all, or could change from what was originally stated. Facial expressions when asked certain questions can be a giveaway and are important when assessing a situation. When there is more than one caretaker, they should be interviewed separately. This is to hear their stories and see if they match up and who the abuser might be. If the victim is old enough, he can be questioned on how the incident took place that sent him to the medical center (Wallace, 2014).