Case Studies with Questions and Answers
Chapter 09: Intimate Partner Violence
Libby Reed, a retired police officer, age 55, recently was admitted to the hospital as the result of a heated physical argument with her husband of 25 years. This was the third time in the past 10 years that Libby was hospitalized for similar injuries, and the previous two times she blamed it on physical assaults related to apprehending criminals in the large northeast town in which she resides and works. After her retirement, she could no longer blame her wounds on her occupation, and doctors and friends began to question her injuries. It became apparent after several question-and -answer sessions with Libby that the abuse, both physical and psychological, had been going on for the better part of the marriage. Libby was fearful of reporting the abuse because her husband was a prominent police chief in town, and she feared reporting the act would conclude with her husband suing for custody of their four children.
Recent attempts to have Libby prosecute her husband for domestic assault have been unsuccessful. Her children all are now living on their own or at college and over the age of 18. They are aware of the struggles the family is enduring and have witnessed their father hit their mother on repeated occasions (beyond those reported). The father has also raised his hands on all four of his children and is believed to be the cause of his oldest son's broken arm 15 years ago. Using the information provided, answer the following questions