Alvira – Ocasio Group Treatment Plan 11 ✓ Solved

ALVIRA – OCASIO GROUP TREATMENT PLAN 11 Group Treatment Plan

The domestic violence group consists of ten female adults, of heterogeneous ethnicity, ages 18-35. The women in this group have recently experienced domestic violence in an intimate relationship or marriage; or have experienced it in the past and are suffering from the lingering effects.

The women in this group struggle with fear, lack of trust, low self-esteem, emotional numbing, and avoidance of interpersonal relationships. Three of these women have survived a violent assault/rape, by the hands of their spouse/partner and have not sought previous help out of fear, helplessness, or shame, because they remain in the relationship. For some of the women, the domestic violence experienced has affected their ability to sleep, communicate, problem-solve, and ensure the safety of their children and themselves. Others have been unable to move on to form healthy social relationships and adequately function in their careers.

Domestic violence (DV), also known as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), is one of the most common forms of violence against women. It is the intentional infliction of physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and controlling behaviors by an intimate partner. This violence may lead women to negative health consequences, including physical injuries or conditions and mental health disorders. Some behavioral definitions include feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and terror. Some women lose their self-sufficiency and stay in the relationship due to feeling helpless and unable to provide safe shelter for themselves and their children.

A rape survivor is someone who has suffered an act of sexual violence by force and against their will, often by someone they know, including intimate partners. The various terms used in relation to sexual violence against intimate partners include intimate partner sexual violence, domestic violence, intimate partner rape, marital rape, and spousal rape. Regardless of terminology, engaging in sexual activity without consent is unacceptable.

The group treatment plan aims to focus on establishing safety plans, increasing feelings of autonomy and self-esteem, and reducing isolation, guilt, shame, anger, and powerlessness. Each group member will collaborate with the counselor to develop a reliable support system and a toolbox of behaviors essential for breaking the cycle of violence, while also working to enhance their self-esteem and trust in others.

Goals and Objectives

The primary goals for the first four sessions of the group include:

• Establishing a safety plan to ensure the safety of each woman and her children.
• Increasing feelings of autonomy and self-esteem in the group members.
• Reducing feelings of isolation, shame, guilt, and powerlessness while promoting healthy social interactions.

Session Breakdown

Pre-session

Members will meet with the group leader to share contact information and provide an emergency contact. Consent and confidentiality forms will be signed, ensuring the safety and privacy of the participants.

Session One: Introduction and Sharing

Each member will introduce themselves and describe the abusive incidents that brought them to the group. The session will also focus on confronting denial, rationalization, and minimizing the partners' violence. Group rules and confidentiality commitments will be established.

Session Two: Safety Assessment and Planning

Group members will discuss their current safety situations and identify signs of escalating violence. Emphasis will be put on developing a step-by-step escape plan in case of attack.

Session Three: Addressing Emotional and Physical Symptoms

This session will focus on discussing the emotional and physical symptoms associated with sexual assault. Members will share feelings of shame and guilt while addressing coping strategies to manage these feelings. Discussion on the impacts of violence on their children will also take place.

Session Four: Identifying Responsibility and Becoming Survivors

In the final session, emphasis will be placed on recognizing that the responsibility for violence lies with the abuser. Participants will be encouraged to view themselves as survivors rather than victims, leading to a discussion on self-nurturing behaviors and strategies for improvement.

Conclusion

This group treatment plan is designed to support women who have experienced domestic violence and provide them with the necessary tools to overcome their circumstances. By fostering an environment of trust, safety, and empowerment, the group aims to help members reclaim their autonomy and rebuild their lives.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2019). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Paleg, K., & Jongsma, A. E. (2015). The Group Therapy Treatment Planner (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
• RAINN. (2019). Sexual Violence in America. Retrieved from https://www.rainn.org/articles/sexual-violence-america
• Department of Justice. (2018). National Crime Victimization Survey. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Violence Against Women Prevalence Estimates. Geneva: WHO.
• Simmons, C. A., & Huber, J. (2018). Treatment for Adult Survivors of Trauma. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 65(4), 404–418.
• O'Leary, K. D. (2018). Intimate Partner Violence: An Ecological Perspective. American Psychological Association, 45(3), 147–158.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Understanding Intimate Partner Violence. Atlanta, GA: CDC.
• Miller, B. A., & Gartner, R. (2020). The Impact of Domestic Violence on Women’s Mental Health. Psychological Bulletin, 146(7), 1–23.
• Leisring, P. A., & Yost, I. J. (2019). Safety Planning with Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence. Journal of Family Violence, 34(5), 405–416.