Partner Abuse By: Christina Abood Maddie Bannes Lauren Lacavich

Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of size, gender, or strength, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused, or denied. Partners may be: Male/Female Male/Male Female/Female Partners may be: Teens Young Adults Middle Age Adults Older Adults Partners may be: Married, Dating, Living together or not

Some facts about partner abuse More women are injured by their partners than by rape, auto accidents and muggings combined Over 25% of women have been victims of violence perpetrated by an intimate partner in their lifetime It is estimated domestic violence costs employers $3 to $5 billion a year in lost days of work and reduced productivity 96% of employed domestic violence victims experience problems at work due to their abuse or abuser Approximately 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner annually in the United States. Domestic violence is one of the most chronically underreported crimes. Intimate partner violence made up 20% of all nonfatal violent crime experienced by women in 2001. 1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime. 3 in 10 college women reported being injured emotionally or psychologically from being stalked. Females ages 16-24 are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence than any other age group– at a rate almost triple the national average. Among female victims of intimate partner violence, a current or former boyfriend or girlfriend victimized 94% of those between the ages of 16-19.

What is partner abuse? Definition of (Intimate) Partner abuse: This includes and are a part of terms like: dating violence, teen violence, spouse abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence , battering Occurs when one person in the relationship or marriage tries to dominate or control the other person. A pattern of abusing power for the purpose of controlling an intimate partner There are different types of abuse: Emotional abuse Physical abuse Sexual Abuse Verbal Abuse Psychological Abuse Some examples are: Physical aggression or assault (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, slapping, throwing objects), or threats controlling or domineering, intimidation, stalking, passive/covert abuse (i.e., neglect), and economic deprivation.

Definitions… Economic Deprivation occurs either by theft, destruction of property or by clinging to traditional values of one person being "the bread winner."  Again, the effect is that the survivor has fewer resources, and is further under the control of the abuser. Physical Abuse is any actual or threatened physical attacks.  Even when these physical attacks are not directed at the person, but instead at a wall or breaking a possession.  It may often begin by "playful" pinching or pushing, but often escalates to shoving, burning, and striking. Emotional/Psychological Abuse is attacks on the targets self-esteem, and self-worth.  This often takes the form of name-calling, manipulation, or intimidation.  Often after a survivor's self-worth has been broken down, he/she may feel responsible for further abuse.  Many people believe that as long as a person isn't being hit, that it isn't that bad.  The effects of psychological abuse, however often last much longer than those of physical abuse. Social Isolation either through manipulation, and playing on a person's sympathies, or intimidation, and forbidding a person to go out, or to see friends and family.  The effect is further control, as the person loses resources available to them.

Definitions… Sexual Abuse is any forced or coerced sexual act.  Just because someone is in a relationship, does not make them obligated to any sexual behavior.  Also, often after a bout of violence, the abuser feel guilt or remorse and want to "make love" to put things right.  Out of fear of further violence, a survivor may give in. Verbal Abuse is any negative form of name calling used to attack, control, and inflict harm on the other person. It involves inflicting psychological violence on another person, attacking the very nature of an individual’s being and attempting to destroy their spirit. If you feel that it is a put down, then it most likely is. There are names that are obvious and, without question abusive. Verbal abusers love to use constructive criticism to beat a spouse down. The most insidious form of verbal abuse is when your spouse is constantly criticizing you, “for your own good”. Common signs of verbal abuse: Using words to shame- Critical, sarcastic, mocking words meant to put you down either alone or in front of other people. Yelling, swearing and screaming- Someone who goes verbally ballistic for very little cause. Using threats to intimidate- No threat should be taken likely, even if your spouse tells you they are only joking, especially if it causes you to change behaviors or to feel on guard in the relationship. Blaming the victim- Your spouse blows his/her top and then blames you for their actions and behavior. Your feelings are dismissed-Your spouse refuses to discuss issues that upset you. They avoid discussion of any topic where they might have to take responsibility for their actions or words.

Let’s talk about Teen dating violence http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=2ExKsD- afCk&list=FLQDuYxuEoS8C 6yodtKhAASQ&index=5&fe ature=plpp_video Emotional Abuse http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=el3g35rfLso&fea ture=related Video: Verbal Abuse Cycle http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=uSMlVCmewC0& list=FLQDuYxuEoS8C6yodt KhAASQ&index=4&feature =plpp_video

Signs of partner abuse Have very low self-esteem, even if they used to be confident. Show major personality changes (e.g. an outgoing person becomes withdrawn). Be depressed, anxious, or suicidal. Be restricted from seeing family and friends. Rarely go out in public without their partner. Have limited access to money, credit cards, or the car. Have frequent injuries, with the excuse of “accidents.” Frequently miss work, school, or social occasions, without explanation. Dress in clothing designed to hide bruises or scars (e.g. wearing long sleeves in the summer or sunglasses indoors). Seem afraid or anxious to please their partner. Go along with everything their partner says and does. Check in often with their partner to report where they are and what they’re doing. Receive frequent, harassing phone calls from their partner. Talk about their partner’s temper, jealousy, or possessiveness.

Causes of Partner Abuse There is no specific cause, but the victim is at high risk when their partner’s abuse drugs, are unemployed, and have not graduated from high school. Partner violence is about CONTROL & POWER Experts have reached a consensus on several common characteristics among batterers - they are controlling and manipulative, and often see themselves as victims and believe that men (or women) have a pre- ordained right to be in charge of all aspects of a relationship.

Cycle of violence and abuse If the abuser grew up in a household where domestic violence took place, they are more likely to become victims of partner abuse as adults. Often escalates from threats and verbal abuse to physical violence.

The Cycle of abuse

Effects of partner abuse on the victim They can destroy their self worth, lead to anxiety and depression, and make you feel helpless and alone. They can live in fear and isolation, and struggle each day to keep themselves safe. Could eventually lead to serious injury, hospitalization, or death. Victims can become isolated from their family, friends, and neighbors and lose their network of social support. Video: Partner abuse=health problems http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQz0flR0cRM&list=FLQ DuYxuEoS8C6yodtKhAASQ&index=8&feature=plpp_video

Effects on family/children It has been said that a child who is exposed to domestic abuse during their upbringing, will suffer in their developmental and psychological welfare Because of the awareness of domestic violence that some children have to face, it also generally impacts how the child develops emotionally, socially, behaviorally as well as cognitively. Some emotional and behavioral problems that can result due to domestic violence include increased aggressiveness, anxiety, and changes in how a child socializes with friends, family, and authorities. Depression, as well as self-esteem issues, can follow due to traumatic experiences. Problems with attitude and cognition in schools can start developing, along with a lack of skills such as problem- solving. In some cases, the abuser will purposely abuse the mother or father in front of the child to cause a ripple effect, hurting two victims. It has been found that children who witness mother-assault are more likely to exhibit symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Consequences to these children are likely to be more severe if their assaulted mother develops PTSD and does not seek treatment due to her difficulty in assisting her child with processing his or her own experience of witnessing the domestic violence.

Social Workers & Partner Abuse Social workers provide countless services to victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. Social workers provide direct services to victims of domestic violence including counseling and support through shelter programs across the country, individual counseling through private practice settings, court advocacy through county victim service agencies, and social justice community organizing efforts to prevent domestic violence from occurring in the first place The context in which services are provided is empowerment and advocacy oriented

Social Workers & Partner Abuse Many shelters across the country have a Community Education Coordinator on staff who may be a social worker. This person is accountable for managing all types of community education from professional development and training to providing speakers for civic or social groups. Social workers provide therapy to victims of domestic violence while they are in a shelter or living in their community. Social workers also serve as executive directors of domestic violence organizations. On the state level, social workers staff domestic violence coalitions and provide training and technical assistance to shelter programs across their respective states. Social workers provide services to perpetrators through voluntary and court mandated batterer intervention programs. Domestic violence is a social justice issue

How is Partner Abuse Assessed Questions that are most effective in assessing domestic violence are open-ended as opposed to those asking for yes or no answers. For example, "How do you and your partner tend to disagree with each other?" versus "Does your spouse hit you?” Indirect questions about things like how many emergency-room visits, injuries, or accidents they have had this year are more likely to be answered honestly than are direct questions about the cause of each injury As with any sensitive or potentially painful topic, questions about domestic violence are answered truthfully more often when the person asked is alone with the professional, as opposed to being asked with their partner (the potential batterer), a child, or other family member present during the discussion.

How is Partner Abuse Treated Getting and keeping the victim of domestic violence safe is an essential part of treating domestic abuse Many legal and mental-health professionals who work with victims recommend the development of safety plans, both for home and in the workplace

Safety Plan Many legal and mental-health professionals who work with victims recommend the development of safety plans, both for home and in the workplace. Such a plan includes encouraging the victim to keep a charged cell phone in his or her possession at all times, maintaining active peace, protective, or restraining orders against the batterer, keeping a copy of the order at all times, along with distributing copies of the order to the victim's supervisor, workplace reception area, and security, as well as to schools and day-care providers for children. It is important for battered men and women to realize that abusers sometimes escalate in their abusiveness when first served with a protective order and to take appropriately heightened safety precautions. Other elements of a safety plan may include the victim changing his or her work site, parking, or work schedule, having an emergency contact person, and establishing danger signals to alert neighbors or coworkers that the victim is in immediate danger.

Domestic Abuse Intervention Project One well-known approach to treating domestic abuse families is the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (DAIP) . It is also called the Duluth Model. It focuses on women as the victims and men as the perpetrators of intimate partner violence. This treatment model takes the approach of empowering women by providing them information, resources, and support, which has been found to significantly decrease the violence in victims' lives over time. It also uses legal resources as a means of keeping women safe and giving consequences to male batterers. Regarding specific treatment for batterers, compliance with multiple treatment sessions may decrease the likelihood that domestic violence perpetrators repeat the behavior but these results continue to require study due to the small numbers of perpetrators studied so far.

10 Things Every Social Worker Must Know About Partner Abuse 6. Battered women are often blamed for the violence. 7. People with disabilities may be at very high risk for domestic violence. 8. Economics matter. 9. Batterers are not all alcoholic, they can usually control their anger, and they are often charming and manipulative. 10. Social change must be a key component in ending domestic violence. 1. Domestic violence is a common crime. 2. Domestic violence is usually gender based. 3. It’s about power and control, not just conflict or anger. 4. Domestic violence harms children. 5. Not all battered women are helpless and weak, and they are not crazy.

Game time! http://www.super teachertools.com/ jeopardy/usergam es/Mar201212/gam e1332385488.php