Behavioral Science

60 Deja Review: Behavioral Science
What types of emotional abuse do
elders experience?
How many cases of child and elder
abuse are reported annually?
What is the physician’s responsibility
if they suspects child or elder abuse?
Neglect of needed care (eg, medical,
hygiene, etc)
Economic exploitation
1,000,000 cases each
By law, the physician must report the
case to appropriate social service
agency.
DOMESTIC PARTNER ABUSE
What are primary findings seen
in women who are victims of
domestic violence?
What factor can greatly increase the
likelihood of an abused person being
killed by their abuser?
What is the primary gender of the
perpetrator of domestic violence?
What are the characteristics of the
abuser in a domestic violence situation?
What are the characteristics of the
abused in a domestic violence situation?
What characteristic is common to both
the abused and the abuser in a
domestic violence situation?
What is the role of the physician, in
terms of reporting, if notified of
domestic violence abuse?
Broken bones
Bruises
Blackened eyes
If the abused person leaves the abuser.
Male
Substance abuse
Angry
Threatens to kill the abused
Apologetic after abuse has occurred
May be pregnant
May not report abuse to police
May not leave the abuser
Blame themselves for the abuse
Emotional and financial dependence on
the abuser
Low self-esteem
The physician does not have mandatory
reporting since the abused is generally a
competent adult. The physician can
provide emotional support and
encourage the abused to report the
violence.