MODULE 5 2024/10/24

ABUSE AND NEGLECT ASSIGNMENT

GROUP MEMBERS:
✓ ONESMUS KAREISI
✓ TAIBAT BUKOLA LAWAL
✓ DANE BARNWELL
✓ MARY DAMILOLA ADEFIOYE

CASE 1

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. (2 marks)
✓ Guilt: There may be feelings of guilt for leaving Mrs. Green in a potentially
harmful situation.
✓ Frustration: The PSW might feel frustrated by the daughter's controlling
behavior and how it affects Mrs. Green.
✓ Concern: The PSW might feel worried about Mrs. Green's well-being, given
the daughter's harsh tone and possible signs of neglect or abuse.
2. List three behaviours of Mrs. Green’s that indicate she may be abused. (3 marks)
✓ Mrs. Green looks miserable and avoids eye contact when her daughter
speaks, showing signs of emotional distress.
✓ Mrs. Green seems overly anxious about money and time, possibly because
of pressure from her daughter.
✓ She allows her daughter to speak harshly to her without defending herself,
indicating fear or intimidation.
3. In this situation, describe how power is being exerted over another person. (2 marks)
✓ The daughter is using financial control and emotional manipulation to assert
dominance over Mrs. Green. She shames Mrs. Green for her spending and
insults her intelligence, making her feel dependent and inadequate.
4. What action is appropriate for the PSW to take in this situation? Why? (3 marks)
✓ The PSW should report the situation to their supervisor or an appropriate
authority, as there may be signs of emotional or financial abuse. It's
essential to ensure that Mrs. Green’s well-being is monitored, as leaving her
in such a situation could lead to further harm. The PSW should also
document the incident for future reference.

CASE 2

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)
 ✓ Empathy: The PSW could feel deep empathy for Sarah, understanding her
vulnerability and fear.
✓ Concern: The PSW might feel worried for Sarah’s safety, knowing there may
be ongoing abuse.
✓ Helplessness: There may be a feeling of helplessness, as Sarah is asking the
PSW to keep the incident private.
2. Identify three signs that indicate Sarah is abused. (3 marks)
✓ Sarah is emotionally distressed and begs the PSW not to tell anyone,
showing fear and shame about the abuse.
✓ Sarah has a large, unexplained bruise that she first tries to explain away.
✓ She eventually admits her husband caused the injury by twisting her arm.

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

✓ She claims she would have nothing without him, indicating she may be
minimizing the severity of the situation.
✓ Sarah downplays the abuse by saying her husband is a "good man" despite
the violent behavior.
4. What other emotion is Sarah displaying? (1 mark)
✓ Sarah is displaying fear. She is afraid of what might happen if others find out
about the abuse, and she may also fear further violence from her husband.
5. What action is appropriate for the PSW to take in this situation? Why? (3 marks)
✓ The PSW should report the situation to their supervisor or an appropriate
authority immediately. Sarah's safety and well-being are at risk, and it is the
PSW's responsibility to ensure that Sarah gets the support she needs. By
reporting the situation, the PSW can help Sarah access resources like
counseling or protection, even if Sarah is hesitant to ask for help herself.

CASE 3

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. (2 marks)
✓ Sympathy: The PSW may feel sympathy for Mrs. Ross, understanding that
caring for five young children, including triplets, could be overwhelming.
✓ Shock: Witnessing Mrs. Ross shake Ray violently might cause immediate
alarm and disbelief.
✓ Concern: The PSW would likely feel deeply worried for Ray’s safety and well-
being, especially given his regression in behavior.
2. Identify the possible reasons for the angry outburst in Mrs. Ross. (3 marks)
✓ Emotional instability: Mrs. Ross may be experiencing postpartum stress or
depression, contributing to her inability to cope with Ray's behavior.
 ✓ Stress and exhaustion: Caring for newborn triplets and two young children
can be physically and emotionally draining, possibly leading to frustration
and anger.
✓ Feelings of being overwhelmed: Without extended family support, Mrs.
Ross may feel like she lacks help and is struggling to manage the household
and the needs of all five children.
3. Identify two behaviours in Ray that indicate that he may be abused. (2 marks)
✓ Increased fearfulness: Ray appears more fearful than before, which can be a
sign that he feels unsafe or is being mistreated.
✓ Regression in language and motor skills: Ray has shown a decline in his
ability to speak clearly and run steadily, which may indicate emotional
distress or trauma.
4. What action is appropriate for the PSW to take in this situation? Why? (3 marks)
✓ The PSW should report the situation to their supervisor or child protective
services. Shaking a child is a form of physical abuse and can be extremely
harmful. Immediate intervention is needed to ensure Ray’s safety and to
support Mrs. Ross in managing her stress in healthier ways. Documenting
the incident and taking appropriate steps to ensure the family receives help
would be essential.