Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence

CASE VIGNETTE

            You are a social worker providing services at a local domestic violence shelter.  Elena, age 33, and her two children, Andrei, age 12, and Tania, age 10, came to the shelter several weeks ago after experiencing a violent assault wherein her husband Anton hit, kicked, and punched her requiring a visit to the emergency department. She reported the children were present throughout the incident and were very distressed by it. You have been seeing Elena for a few weeks and have reviewed the introductory components of your work together (including discussing your role and the limitations of confidentiality). You have established a strong rapport with Elena and have learned that she immigrated to Canada from Romania shortly after getting married. Elena speaks English well, obtained a high school diploma in Romania and is a full time, stay-at-home mother.

            In your second session together, Andrei and Tania attended for part of it and described their father as “angry” and “mean” because he yells and throws things at their mother. Andrei who appears anxious and aggressive, explained that he needs to protect his mother and sister and described how he would often get involved in his parents’ arguments and jump in front of Elena to defend her. Both children described seeing their father hit, kick, and punch Elena and that this recent incident was not the first time they have been exposed to such violence. They told you that they were happy to be at the shelter because they felt safe and did not have to worry about their mom. After they left, Elena tearfully described both children having recurrent nightmares of their father killing her. Elena indicated at that time that she feels stronger now and does not want to reunite with her husband. You assisted Elena to complete applications for subsidized housing as well as application for social assistance. Shelter staff took you aside when you arrived for your shift today to voice their concerns that Elena has recently been having phone contact with her husband for long periods and are fearful that she is considering going back to him. Today will be your third session with Elena.

This is your third session with the client.

You have already explained your role and the limits to confidentiality.