What characteristics would lead a provider to suspect domestic violence, child abuse, or elder abuse is taking place within a family? Discuss your family’s procedure of reporting these types of abuse.

What characteristics would lead a provider to suspect domestic violence, child abuse, or elder abuse is taking place within a family? Discuss your family’s procedure of reporting these types of abuse.

Introduction

Domestic violence, child abuse, or elder abuse is a common problem across the United
States. The main characteristics that make a provider suspect presence of domestic abuse or child
abuse include the breakdown in communication within the family and aggression targeted to an
intimate partner (Perez & Luquis, 2013). The presence of injuries and visible scars is another
indicator of domestic violence or elderly abuse. Intimidation and harassment between spouses is
an indicator of psychological and emotional abuse and can lead a provider to suspect physical
domestic violence (Perez & Luquis, 2013). The other indicators that are common in elderly
abuse and domestic violence include feelings and perceptions of inferiority by the victim and low
self-esteem of an intimate partner. The use of drugs and alcohol impairs the ability to control
domestic violence impulses thus contributing to a high likelihood of violence within the family.
Another indicator is low education levels and role conflict within the family (Perez & Luquis,
2013).
The family’s procedure of reporting these types of abuse entails reporting the abuse to the
law enforcement agency and seeking psychological support in health facilities. The victim
should conduct the available social workers and explain the nature of abuse in order to attain
social support. In this case, the nurse is able to address the social needs of the affected victim
(Perez & Luquis, 2013).

Reference:

Perez, M.A & Luquis, R.R. (2013). Cultural competence in health education and health
promotion. New York: John Wiley & Sons.