User:Lyoh/sandbox

Add new section under “Effects” titled Daily Activities

Daily Activities
Women and children experiencing domestic violence undergo occupational apartheid they are typically denied access to desired occupations. Abusive partners may limit occupations and create an occupationally-void environment which reinforces feelings of low self-worth and poor self-efficacy in ability to satisfactorily perform everyday tasks. Survivors of domestic violence may experience a decline in the skills needed to carry out routine daily activities necessary to live independently in the community. This population often demonstrates difficulties in the areas of home maintenance, education, caregiving, and leisure participation. . In addition, work is impacted by functional losses, ability to maintain necessary employment skills, and ability to function within the work place. Functional losses include :

●  Role function

●  Poverty

●  Homelessness

●  Role identity

●  Social supports

●  Family ties

●  Children

●  Possible institualization

Add new section under “Management” titled Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy can impact the health and well-being of survivors of domestic violence by enabling participation in occupation and addressing a diminished skill-set caused by a prolonged situation of occupational apartheid. Occupational therapists work with individuals to develop the skills needed to acquire desired occupational roles and satisfactorily perform everyday tasks.  Occupational therapy practitioners can provide services through direct or indirect treatment, advocacy efforts, consultation, or group sessions. They may work with survivors of domestic violence and their families in a variety of settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, mental health facilities, schools, homes, and in shelters or other community programs.

Within any of the practice settings, occupational therapists may encounter victims or survivors of domestic violence including individuals who have not reported abuse. Occupational therapists are in a position to uncover information that leads to suspicion of violence or identification of abuse that has occurred. As health care professionals, occupational therapists follow state mandated requirements to report abuse. They may provide specialized treatment for individuals who have :

·      Sustained injuries or disabilities as a result of domestic violence

·      Chosen to remain in or rebuilt a relationship in which abuse has occurred, or

·      Decided to leave the abusive relationship and reconstruct their lives

Domestic violence survivors have experienced trauma and abuse leading to a loss of empowerment and poor self-worth. These consequences of domestic violence may impact the ability to perform occupations. Occupational therapy contributes to recovery by enabling survivors to create new roles, develop satisfying and productive routines, and gain the self-efficacy necessary to overcome the effects of domestic violence. Occupational therapy interventions for this population include  :

·      Self-care (hygiene)

·      Decision-making skills regarding employment opportunities

·      Assertiveness skills training

·      Stress management and calming techniques

·      Time and money management

·      Home management

·      Community mobility

·      Parenting skill-building

·      Coping and interpersonal skills

·      Self-esteem and self-efficacy

·      Identification of leisure activities

·      Social participation

·      Lifestyle modification to establish healthy routines for eating, exercising, and sleep

OT interventions with children who are exposed to domestic violence are focused on promoting age appropriate academic, play, and social skills to facilitate proper development and success in school activities. This may include activities to improve organization, study habits, or attention. Adolescents who have seen or experienced domestic abuse may also benefit from occupational therapy to work on relationship and life skills and learn coping strategies.