Exercise

Emotional Reactions to Domestic Violence
Instructions: Following is a list of possible emotional reactions to domestic violence. How might each of these possible reactions be experienced…

…by one of your clients who is being abused?
…by his/her partner or abuser?
…by their children or grandchildren?
…by you, their Meals on Wheels volunteer?

 
Possible Emotional Reactions
Fear ................... Fear of getting involved
Anger ................. Anger at client, at the abuser, at system
Anxiety .............. Discussing victimization makes worker nervous or anxious
Overwhelmed ...... Concern that situation is too complex to affect change
Ambivalence ....... Unsure of who to believe, where to place responsibility
Shame ............... Embarrased at details of abuse
Depression ......... Feeling that nothing will change