One in four women will be a victim of partner violence in her lifetime. One-third of female homicides are at the hands of a partner. Boys who witness relationship violence are twice as likely to abuse their partners. The witnessing of relationship violence during childhood is the strongest risk factor for partner violence among adults (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2010). These statistics indicate that relationship or family violence is an insidious issue, often resulting in a multigenerational transmittal of trauma. Not only is there the significant physical and emotional traumatic impact of relationship and family violence, but there are also a host of societal problems that occur as a result, including the legal, medical, social, and foster care systems.
For this Discussion, select an example of relationship or family violence from the media (past or present), a book, a movie, or history. Think about the short- and long-term effects on the survivor(s) in the example. Note any special intervention considerations you might need to take into account if treating the survivor(s).
Post a brief description of the example you selected that illustrates relationship or family violence. Explain the primary short-term and long-term effects of the violence on the survivor(s). Include some effects not mentioned in the resource material. Finally, explain any special intervention considerations you might need to take into account if treating the survivor(s). +500 words, citation format is APA
I chose the movie “Precious”, which is based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire. Precious tells a story of a 16-year-old African American girl who lives in New York City and is pregnant with her second child fathered by her own father. Throughout this film she suffers from verbal, emotional, physical and sexual abuse at the hands of both her mother Mary (who also physically abuses Precious’ sister) and her father Carl.
The short-term effects of violence on Precious are evident throughout the movie. She experiences depression, isolation, self-hatred, loss of motivation in school, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness as well as suicidal thoughts or attempts to escape reality through substance use or other harmful coping mechanisms.
The long-term effects include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) resulting from repeated exposure to trauma that can manifest itself through flashbacks and night terrors; increased risk for addiction due to trying to numb out pain; strained relationships with family members; PTSD often leads to difficulties trusting others; difficulty forming healthy intimate connections due to fear or lack of trust ; low self esteem leading to high risk behaviors such as drug/alcohol abuse & risky sexual behavior etc.
When treating someone like Precious it is important for counselors/therapists/psychologists involved in treatment understand their limitations when it comes to family dynamics .They need to take into account any potential legal implications related may related court cases before engaging in therapy sessions . They should be familiar enough with local resources where individuals like Precious can find safety if needed while they process past traumas and explore new avenues for healing , these can be domestic violence shelters , emergency housing , food banks , job training programs etc.. It is also important that therapists utilize evidence based practices such as CBT & DBT when working with survivors so they don’t get re traumatized when discussing aspects related to the incident(s). Lastly therapists need must acknowledge that recovery takes time & will require patience & dedication from both patient & therapist alike.