Abuse of Spouse OR Partner
Alternate Names : Domestic Abuse
What are the treatments for the injury?
Victims who are physically hurt may need treatment
for their injuries. Counseling and psychiatric treatment for any victim
of abuse may prevent long-term effects. This treatment may include:
individual psychotherapy
and group therapy
job, welfare, and housing assistance to help the victim become
independent
medicine, such as antidepressants
support groups
The abuser may need help in the following ways:
alcohol and drug treatment
treatment to learn how to control his or her anger
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors or SSRIs are often used to treat symptoms of
depression,
anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder,
which is also called PTSD. The most common side effects are:
dry mouth
fatigue
headache
upset stomach
Some people also become more anxious or irritable.
Others may develop sexual problems, such as
erectile dysfunction.
None of the side effects are long-lasting. Within weeks of
starting an SSRI, most people can tolerate the side effects they have.
For other people, side effects go away. When they are constant and
uncomfortable, a change in the medicine or dosage or the addition
of another medicine often helps.
What happens after treatment for the injury?
If antidepressants are used, it may take a few weeks to a
month for the full effect to be felt by the person taking them.
Long-term effects can include PTSD. In this case, this disorder
is a result of physical, mental, or sexual violence. The victim may have
the following conditions:
anxiety disorders
depression
feelings of isolation
irritability
nightmares and flashbacks
a tendency to avoid other people
Even if the victim doesn't suffer from PTSD, he or she
may have other long-term effects, such as:
living in poverty
poor self-esteem
trouble staying in school or keeping a job
Studies show that half of men who abuse their partners also
abuse their children.
Abused mothers often have trouble holding jobs. They also need welfare
more often. This means that children from abusive homes are at a greater
risk of being poor and homeless.
Local, state, and federal agencies, including police and
social services, keep spousal abuse statistics. Many foundations, such
as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the American
Bar Association, also monitor abuse. Local agencies that receive
reports of abuse from healthcare workers and other sources investigate
and track high-risk families.
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