Question

Module 5. Abuse and Neglect 3 |6 

CASE #2 

You have been assigned to assist Sarah, a new mother, care for her infant son. The mother requires help as she has recently had a sprained ankle and wrist fractures. Although she can get around, she cannot look after the infant and her 2-year-old daughter. Home care was ordered by Sarah's doctor, despite the family's protests that they could manage on their own. You have been visiting for two weeks. 

Sarah is a quiet, painfully shy person. However, little by little, she has warmed up to you. She smiles more often now, and seems very grateful for your visits. 

Today, as you hand Sarah her son after his bath, you notice a large bruise on Sarah's upper arm. It is purplish and about 10 em. (4 inches) in diameter. Sarah notices that you have seen the bruise and says, "Oh, that I hit the freezer door last night." You must look doubtful, as Sarah begins to cry. She tells you that her husband grabbed her arm and twisted it last night. She begs you not to tell anyone, saying that she would be embarrassed if anyone knew. "He's a good man," she says of her husband, "I'd have nothing if it weren't for him."

 1. Describe all the feelings that you (or other PSWs) might have in this situation. Explain how they might be helpful or unhelpful in resolving the problem. (1 mark)

 2. Identify three signs that indicate Sarah is abused. (3 marks)

 3. Describe two ways in which Sarah is demonstrating denial. (2 marks)

 4. What other emotion is Sarah displaying? (1 mark)

 5. What action is appropriate for the PSW to take in this situation? Why? (3 marks)

Answer 1

1. The feeling that a PSWs will have at this situation is to confront the victim and the abuser of their activity and to make sure of letting them know the consequences of it. It will be very helpful for the both because the abuser will be ashamed and will try to change his behaviours whereas the victim will gain more confidence of being bold and coming forward with her problems.

2. The three signs that indicates that Sarah is abused are:

- the sprained ankle and fractured wrist

- the bruise which she has got in her arms and

- the emotions which she presents by crying to the PSW or the protest of the family not to get the helper even when she had fractures and sprains.

3. The two ways in which Sarah is demonstrating her denial are:

- by denying about the mark on her forearm

- by calling her husband a good man and a person who gives her what she has now

4. Sarah is displaying an emotion of denial, acceptance, bargaining, conflict, confusion etc.

5. The action that is appropriate for a PSW at this situation are:

- communicate with Sarah and listen to her problems that has happened to her

- make her understand of what is right and what is wrong in this situation

- give her counselling related to abuse and violence that she is facing from her husband

- ask her to file a complaint against the abuse and the abuser and lend her your help by becoming a soul witness

- make her the importance of filing complaints and the importance of self respect