ICDVP Dynamics of Domestic Violence 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which term describes the abuser's pattern of slowly eroding a victim's sense of reality to make them question their own perceptions?
- Coercive control
- Gaslighting (Correct answer)
- Intermittent reinforcement
- Isolation
Correct answer: Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a manipulation tactic where the abuser causes the victim to doubt their own memory, perception, and sanity.
Question 2: A victim returns to an abusive partner an average of how many times before leaving permanently?
- 2-3 times
- 4-5 times
- 7 times (Correct answer)
- 10 or more times
Correct answer: 7 times
Research indicates that on average a victim attempts to leave an abusive relationship approximately seven times before making a final departure.
Question 3: Which phase of the cycle of violence is characterized by the abuser minimizing the abuse, apologizing, or showering the victim with affection and gifts?
- Tension-building phase
- Acute explosion phase
- Reconciliation/honeymoon phase (Correct answer)
- Calm phase
Correct answer: Reconciliation/honeymoon phase
The reconciliation or honeymoon phase follows the acute explosion and involves the abuser expressing remorse, making promises, and displaying loving behavior.
Question 4: Economic abuse as a form of domestic violence most directly aims to:
- Cause physical harm
- Prevent the victim from seeking medical care
- Control the victim's ability to acquire, use, or maintain financial resources (Correct answer)
- Isolate the victim from their social network
Correct answer: Control the victim's ability to acquire, use, or maintain financial resources
Economic abuse involves controlling a victim's access to money and financial resources, creating dependency and limiting their ability to leave.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes 'coercive control' in a domestic violence context?
- A single severe incident of physical violence
- A pattern of behavior designed to dominate, isolate, and deprive a victim of liberty (Correct answer)
- Mutual conflict that escalates to physical altercation
- Emotional outbursts that do not involve physical contact
Correct answer: A pattern of behavior designed to dominate, isolate, and deprive a victim of liberty
Coercive control refers to an ongoing pattern of domination that strips away a victim's autonomy through intimidation, isolation, and deprivation.
Question 6: When a victim of domestic violence does not immediately report abuse, the most likely primary reason is:
- They enjoyed the violence
- Fear of retaliation, disbelief, or financial dependency on the abuser (Correct answer)
- They are unaware that help is available
- They believe the abuse was deserved
Correct answer: Fear of retaliation, disbelief, or financial dependency on the abuser
Victims most commonly delay reporting due to fear of further violence, not being believed, or financial and emotional ties to the abuser.
Question 7: Which population faces heightened barriers to leaving a domestic violence situation due to immigration status concerns?
- U.S. citizens married to immigrants
- Undocumented immigrants whose abusers threaten deportation (Correct answer)
- Children with dual citizenship
- Refugees who have completed asylum processes
Correct answer: Undocumented immigrants whose abusers threaten deportation
Abusers often weaponize immigration status by threatening to report undocumented victims to authorities, creating a powerful barrier to seeking help.
ICDVP Dynamics of Domestic Violence 2
Which term describes the abuser's pattern of slowly eroding a victim's sense of reality to make them question their own perceptions?