FEMALE VICTIMS OFDOMESTIC VIOLENCELourdes S. Levy Florida International University

Client background

Hispanic female 55 years old Born in Dominican Republic United States resident Working on commission as a sales

representative Currently residing with adult nephew in

sister’s home Previously married – one adult son Sleeping problems History of asthma Focus on spirituality

Presenting challenge

Partner threatened to choke her Client abandoned home Did not report incident to police Ambiguous feelings towards partner Partner verbally abusive Unemployed Diagnosed with prostrate cancer Does not value his life Smokes marijuana

Symptoms

Fearful Loss of interest

Anxious Guilt

Sleep disturbances Low self-esteem

Uncontrollable worries Sadness

Difficulty concentrating

Discouragement

Fear of disapproval Poor self-image

Ecology factors

Financial insecurities Acculturation Age Language barrier Traditional gender role

Strengths and Risk factors

Strengths RisksSought help Minimal support system

Intelligent History of verbal abuse

Educated Pessimistic outlook

Committed Low self-esteem

Coping skills

Listens to spiritual talk shows Visits son Provides emotional support to sisters Takes pride in helping customers Employs defense mechanisms

Denial Rationalization

Theoretical model

Crisis Theory

Effectiveness of practice for battered women is limited and controversial in nature. The referenced articles reviewed suggested the possibilities of utilizing a combination of different techniques when addressing the complex aspects faced by females exposed to domestic violence.

Theory driven problem statement

Crisis

Assessment

Crisis intervention -Triage Assessment Form

Planning

Goals Develop safety plan Restore client’s equilibrium Establish timeframe Reduce overall anxiety:

frequency/intensity/duration Modify self-focus Elevate self-esteem Alleviate depressed mood

Planning – cont.

Objectives: Implement details of safety plan Connect with client by demonstrating acceptance,

empathy and reassurance (optimism/hope) Teach calming skills to reduce and manage

anxiety symptoms Explore client’s schema and self-talk; assist in

replacing distorted messages with positive self-talk

Discuss incidents of abuse-how they have impacted feelings about herself

Engage client in activities that provide pleasant results

Intervention models

Intervention strategies

Ego support techniques Exploration/ventilation Sustainment Person-situation reflection Education Direct influence Partializing

Intervention strategies – cont. Cognitive-behavioral techniques

Cognitive modification Systematic desensitization Positive and negative reinforcement Assertiveness training Relaxation techniques Stress management Problem solving

Evaluation

Scales

Conflict Tactics Scale Observation

Ways of Coping Questionnaire Journaling

Clinical Anxiety Scale Domestic Violence Survivor Assessment

Beck Depression Inventory Outcome Rating Scale

Attribution Questionnaire Session Rating Scale

Outcome

Stabilization – provided safe & supportive environment Establishment of trusting relationship – encouraged

client to narrate her story demonstrating empathy and authenticity.

Relaxation techniques- practiced abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation. Encouraged use of soothing music and lavender scent in bedroom.

Working on: identifying maladaptive automatic thoughts and cognitive schemas “I am a failure because I cannot have a successful

relationship ” “How can I be so stupid to fall in love with same type of

men” “I am unable to study because I cannot concentrate” “What will my friends and family think of me ?” “Cannot stop worrying about what will happen if….”

Conclusion

Lessons learned The power of empathic listening Resilience of women Importance of critical thinking

Enjoyed Possibilities of empowering clients

Personal challenges Recognizing/trusting my strengths

References

Abel, E.M. (2000). Psychosocial Treatments for Battered Women: A Review of Empirical Research. Research on Social Work Practice, Vol. 10 No. 1, p. 55-77

Antony, M.M., Orsillo, S.M., & Roemer, L. (2001). Practitioner’s Guide to Empirically Based Measures of Anxiety. NY: Plenum

Briere, J. & Jordan, C.E. (2004) Violence Against Women Outcome Complexity and Implications for Assessment and Treatment. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol. 19 No. 11, November 2004 1252-1276

Burke, J.G., Denison, J.A., Gielen, A.C., McDonnell, K.A., & O’Campo, P. (2004). Ending Intimate Partner Violence: An Application of the Transtheoretical Model. American Journal of Health Behavior, 28(2): 122-133. Campbell, A., & Hemsley, S. (2009). Outcome Rating Scale and Session Rating Scale in Pyschological Practice: Clinical utitlity of ultra-brief measures . Clinical Psychologist, Vol. 13, No. 1, p.1-9

Carlson, B.E. (1997). A Stress and Coping Approach to Intervention with Abused Women. Family Relations, Vol 46, No. 3

References (cont.)

Dienemann, J., Glass, N., Hanson, G., & Lunsford, K. (2007). The Domestic Violence Survivor Assessment (DVSA): A Tool for Individual Counseling with Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 28:913–925

Leichsenring, F. (2006). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Techniques, Efficacy and Indications. American Journal of Psychotherapy , Vol. 60, 3, p.233-259

Myer. R. A. & Conte, C. (2006). Assessment for Crisis Intervention. Journal or Clinical Psychology: in Session, Vol. 62(8), 959–970

Van Ingen, D.J., Freiheit, S.R., & Vye, C.S. (2009). From the Lab to the Clinic: Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatments for Anxiety Disorders. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. Vol. 40, No. 1, p. 69–74

Walsh, J. (2006). Theories for Direct Social Work Practice. CA:Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning