Domestic Violence Angela S Case

¶ … willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control," domestic violence is a highly complex issue and each case needs to be considered individually. Angela's case fits the definition of domestic violence. Her new husband Sam suddenly seems insecure, possessive, and controlling but instead of being able to resolve his issues rationally and calmly, he becomes consumed by his anger. Angela is not used to explosive outbursts like these, and only wants to "resolve the conflict as fast as possible," according to the case. Although Sam apologizes, the outbursts occur at more frequent intervals and become increasingly more violent and dangerous. Each time, the couple makes up but Angela is "embarrassed about the situation," and fails to do something early enough and starts to hide the truth from her physicians. Because Angela is pregnant, her situation is complicated by her responsibility to herself and her children.

Health professionals do need to be aware of their responsibilities to patients like Angela. In some situations, health professionals are legally obliged to report wounds, but mainly when those wounds are the result of a deadly weapon like a gun, regardless of whether domestic violence is known to have occurred. Moreover, health care workers are not necessarily obliged to report suspected domestic violence. Health care workers need to keep in mind the need to respect patient privacy and confidentiality. Only rarely, and only in a few states, do health care workers need to inform law enforcement that domestic violence might be the cause. Any good faith reporting will help people like Angela receive access to the support services they need, while providing legal immunity for the health care worker (Minnesota Statutes, 2015).

As Angela's situation worsens and her children may be at risk, the role and responsibility of the health care worker or educator may change. Angela's case shows that too often, education professionals are quick to jump to conclusions about children. Jacob may or may not have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Only psychological testing can reveal that, and only a trained professional psychologist will be able to ascertain whether the situation at home has been impacting Jacob's declining performance in school. Domestic violence does have a major impact on children's psychological, social, emotional, and academic performance. Yet while concern for Jacob is warranted, Jacob's privacy and that of his family must also be respected.

Angela's case reveals some of the complexities of knowing someone who is a victim of domestic violence. As a friend or coworker, the only genuinely helpful thing to do would be to offer support. Angela is in a difficult situation; she has become enmeshed in a relationship and may feel unable to terminate the relationship. Making judgments or criticizing her decisions will do more harm than good, potentially causing Angela to withdraw because she senses that no one understands or supports her. It is best to allow the person to become strong on their own terms. One of the most important thing that Angela needs to understand is that she is never at fault when Sam becomes violent.