Physical Aggression

Typical Dynamics of the Case

Individuals use various defense mechanisms to separate themselves or deal with unpleasant thoughts, actions, and events. These are psychological measures that help individuals shut out unwanted feelings or maybe shame or guilt. Sigmund Freud explained that the defense mechanisms are involuntary, and most individuals do not know they are using them (Waqas et al., 2018). Joyce, in the case, presented calls to the abuse center for information, but her inquiry was for another individual. Posing as another individual is denial which may have resulted from fear (Waqas et al., 2018). She refuses to disclose her association with physical aggression from her husband, perhaps because she is afraid of what people may think. While she knew something was wrong, she was not ready to admit that it was happening to her.  

Another dynamic is rationalizing, where Joyce attempted to give logical reasons for her husband’s unacceptable conduct. When explaining her situation to the crisis worker, she says that his work stressed her husband. It was not the first time her husband beat her, meaning that rationalizing helped her maintain her self-respect. However, she persistently deceived herself, and the beating got worse. Joyce was making constant excuses for her husband until when she thought he was going to kill him.

A crisis worker needs to understand the types of defense mechanisms before handling them. By identifying them, the crisis worker can help Joyce get insight into her defensive behaviors. While rationalizing helps individuals deal with stressful events, Joyce needs to honestly face the problem to identify healthy interventions (Waqas et al., 2018). Additionally, Joyce needs to understand that treatment involves dealing with the issues from a mindful and not an unconscious one. Therefore, denial might help, but there are times that it exacerbates hurting which is the case for Joyce.

Domestic Violence Intervention Strategies

Domestic violence is a serious issue that has harmful and lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. The goal of preventing domestic violence is to stop it from happening. However, supporting individuals who have survived domestic violence also increases safety (Buckle et al., 2014). Victim programs, including group programs and individual counseling, will help Joyce focus on individual well-being, increase social support, self-esteem, and knowledge on abuse cycles. Additionally, there are legal protections as judges can play an essential role in fighting harmful stereotypes and ensuring the victim’s safety and needs are considered (Counsel of Europe, 2016). It is a victim-centered approach where judges promote understanding of domestic violence.  

Furthermore, as detailed by Semahegn et al. (2019), it is important to build the capacity of women through employment and income. This is essential in helping address imbalance of power between men and women. Besides, increasing awareness of the effects of domestic violence and strengthening the self esteem of girls and promoting equity in marital relationships will help in changing attitudes towards gender inequality. Therefore, utilizing a human right based approach where there is increased advocacy for women’s right is crucial. These strategies are all centered around addressing intergenerational transfer of deeply entrenched cultural norms which praise male dominance (Semahegn et al., 2019).

OUTLINE

As the crisis worker:

1-What typical dynamics did you see occurring—denial, guilt, fear, rationalization, withdrawal, and so on—in the victim? How would you as the crisis worker handle them?

What are some of the domestic violence intervention strategies? Pick one and how would you apply it to the scenario