Citation

Helfrich CA, Lafata MJ, Macdonald SL, Aviles AM, Collins L. Occup. Ther. Ment. Health 2001; 16(3): 5-34.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J004v16n03_02

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Domestic abuse has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Occupational therapists working in many different settings will encounter children, adults, elders and individuals with disabilities who have experienced intimate violence and abuse. This article presents common definitions and illustrative examples of each type of violence. Issues related to the difficulty inherent in identifying victims of abuse are discussed with an elaboration of indicators that are likely to be seen by an occupational therapist in the clinical setting. Risk factors for becoming a victim or an abuser for each population group and the effects of violence on victims are presented. A brief discussion of the legal and ethical implications of identifying and treating abuse victims concludes the article.