230 Unit 3 CURRENTSOCIAL ANDEMOTIONALCONCERNS
continued from page 229trust, health, hope, plans, financial security, and
home. In addition, victims of abuse often feel
that they deserved abuse, or it would not have
happened. Finally, abuse in a relationship does
not preclude feelings of caring.Recalling and retelling traumatic experiences
are parts of the grieving process and recovery
from such experiences. However, the feelings
engendered by such recall may create extreme
anxiety, and the client may not be ready to face
these feelings. Long-term supportive therapy
may be indicated.Support groups can help abusers and victims
decrease their sense of isolation and shame, in-
crease their self-respect, examine their behaviors,
and receive support for change. The client may
feel alone in the abusive situation.Learning about abuse can give the client a frame-
work within which to begin to identify and express
feelings and face the reality of the abusive
situation.The client may need to learn to recognize stress
and develop skills that deal effectively with
stress.Clients in abusive relationships often are isolated
and unaware of support or resources available.
Contacting people or groups before discharge can
be effective in ensuring continued contact.Clients in abusive relationships often see them-
selves as powerless, with no options, desires,
or choices.Family, marital or individual therapy may be in-
dicated provided the therapist is knowledgeable
about abuse, dynamics within an abusiveof the client’s feelings, including guilt, anger, fear,
and caring for the abuser.If the client has been abused, encourage him or
her to talk about experiences involving abusive
behavior; however, do not probe or push the client
to recall experiences. Maintain a nonjudgmental
attitude when talking with the client about these
experiences.*Involve the client in group therapy if possible,
such as groups of other victims of abuse, groups of
abusers, or mixed groups of abusers and victims.
Refer the client to resources outside the hospital
if necessary.Teach the client about abusive behavior.Teach the client about the stress of being in an
abusive situation and about the relationship
between stress and physical symptoms. Teach the
client relaxation and other stress management
techniques.*Help the client identify and contact support
systems, crisis centers, shelters, and other
community resources. Provide written information
to the client (such as telephone numbers of these
resources), especially if he or she chooses to
return to an abusive situation.Encourage the client to identify and list options
for the future. Help the client identify positive
and negative aspects and consequences of these
options. Encourage the client to discover what he
or she would like and to explore choices.*Help the client arrange follow-up care or therapy.
Make referrals to therapists, support groups, or
other community resources as appropriate.