Psychosocial Treatment of Abuse Victims

Abstract

When dealing with abused pregnant patients, practitioners should be aware of the patient’s psychological reaction to partner violence and realize that the patient may be suffering from depression and anxiety (Austin, 2003; Campbell, et al., 1996). (See Chapter 5-Psychosocial Effects of Violence and Chapter 7-Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Outcomes). Clinicians therefore should assess and treat abused women for depression and anxiety throughout the pregnancy and during the postpartum period. When the victim would be in immediate danger if she returned home, the clinician should consider hospitalizing her overnight in order to help her develop a long-term safety plan.