Marya Is a 24-Year-Old Patient Who Has Come to the Office

Multiple Choice

Marya is a 24-year-old patient who has come to the office for an annual exam. You notice various stages of bruising on her arms. When you ask the cause, Marya admits that her husband has been abusing her physically. She says she has tried to get away from him, but every time she does, he takes it out on one of their three children. Which of the following is not a general guideline that you can offer Marya regarding domestic violence?

A) Call for help immediately if a physical threat exists
B) Ignoring the problem never works
C) Remaining silent does not help anyone
D) It is sometimes necessary to stay with an abusive spouse for the children's sake
E) Understand that abusive family members may not be able to help themselves