Summary on documentary

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

This documentary is based on a seminar held on October 26, 2005. a series entitled
women’s health today.
The chief presenter Dr. Miriam Martinez. An associate clinical professor of psychiatry
and paediatrics at UCSF. She is also the division director of infants, children and
adolescents for the department of psychiatry at San Francisco general hospital as
well as clinical director of LINC: Living in a Non-violent community. At UCSF
This panel had experts in the field as
 Dr. Elida Bautista: Licensed clinical psychologist dealing with child and
adolescent at San Francisco general.
 Dr. Meg McNamara Md: General paediatrician founder of the LINC chapter at
the mount zion campus for UCSF
 Dr. Chandra Ghosh-Ippen Phd: Licensed psychologist at UCSF dealing with
child trauma.

This seminar began by defining domestic violence.

It states that this generally occurs when persons are physically, psychologically and
sexually abused especially on a repeated basis. This problem is on the increase and
affects children, and especially women.
Domestic violence bears dire consequences for its victims…no one is left without
scars. Scars which include
Death, battering, broken limbs, psychological trauma, chronic health problems, and
homes being ripped apart.
Some psychological signs detected in
 Children: hyper activity, distraction, learning problems and inability to follow
instructions. These children are constantly agitated and cannot be still for any
considerable length of time.
 Adolescents may exhibit low self esteem, become depressed, show aggression,
unable to adapt socially and even have sleeping and eating disorders as well as
developing Post Traumatic Disorder Syndrome.
 Health Problems for women include migraine, arthritis, neck and back pain, STDs,
ulcers, depression and oft times drinking problems.
 Some 20 - 30% of American women are reported being physically or sexually
abused by their partners at some point. With this, the highest rate is among women
in the age group16 - 24.
In 2000, about 1247 women in America were murdered by their partners along with
other severe injuries.
33 - 77% of children are abused in families because of domestic violence. The San
Francisco data shows that some 6000 - 10,000 were at risk of being hurt during
violent episodes in their homes.

Families refuse to get help because of fear and shame. They are fearful of the
breadwinner leaving the home, their children being taken away by child protective
services. And women especially are ashamed to report that they are being battered.

two ways to aide domestic violence victims.

Primary care providers help by providing support and counsel systems, to children
who are directly impacted by Domestic Violence.
Therapy is often rendered to aid victims of Domestic Violence.
In young children (0-6) this may include: Infant-Parent and or child-Parent
psycho-therapy . These may help young children cope with trauma and problems to
which they are exposed.
Adolescents are often involved in group therapy sessions or health classes at school.
Families may also be included in these counselling sessions.
Reflection on Essay and Documentary
This course of study, being undertaken amid the balance of daily work, work related

activities and home, does not offer much time or the room of relaxation needed in

research.

Sourcing the material, (in this case the documentary) was a bit of a challenge as I had

to listen a few to determine the appropriate one. Next was listening to the video

documentary. This was most time consuming as I had to go through meticulously,

pause, repeat…

It took me a while to gather, organize and record the information. I am however,

satisfied in the end as I was able to source and acquire information and learn much in

the process.

I must also state that I had to do quite a number of takes in recording the audio

summary.