Staying alive: a client with chronic mental illness in an environment of domestic violence.
This case study of a young, African American mother with chronic mental illness demonstrates the impact of domestic violence on a vulnerable population. The client was economically disadvantaged, socially isolated, stigmatized, and victimized by repeated abuse from her live-in male partner of 7 years. With this overlay of violence in the home, the client experienced a downward trajectory in health, self-esteem, economic status, personal freedom, social relationships, and legal standing. Using a public health model in the context of an urban nursing center, an advanced practice nurse provided case management and outreach services for the client.
O'Brien
Susan McMullen
SM
Mental Health Services, La Salle University Neighborhood Nursing Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D003863:Depression / Q000451:nursing*; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000451:nursing*; D012944:Social Support; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*