Domestic Violence Series: Medical Abuse
Domestic and family violence is a serious and widespread problem that affects people of all genders, ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Medical abuse is a form of family violence that involves the intentional harm, neglect, or exploitation of someone's health or medical needs. Medical abuse can take many forms including taking medication without consent, withholding necessary medical treatment, providing unnecessary medical treatment, or intentionally causing physical harm through medical procedures.
Medical abuse within family violence can have serious and long-lasting consequences for the survivor’s physical and mental health. It can also make it more difficult for survivors to seek help and escape their abusive situations. Medical abuse can be particularly difficult to detect and address, as it often takes place in private and can be disguised as legitimate medical care.
There are many different ways that medical abuse can occur within family violence. Some examples include:
Withholding necessary medical treatment: Abusers may prevent their family member from seeking medical care when they need it, or may refuse to provide necessary medication or medical equipment.
Providing unnecessary medical treatment: Abusers may force someone to undergo unnecessary medical procedures or take medication they don't need.
Intentionally causing physical harm through medical procedures: Abusers may perform medical procedures that are unnecessary, painful, or even dangerous.
Preventing access to medical information: Abusers may prevent family members from accessing their own medical information or may share their medical information with others without their consent.
Using medical conditions to control and manipulate: Abusers may use medical conditions as a way to control and manipulate family members, such as threatening to withhold medication or medical treatment if they don't comply with their demands.
Medical abuse can have a wide range of physical and psychological effects on victims. Some physical effects may include untreated medical conditions, worsening of existing medical conditions, physical injuries from unnecessary medical procedures, or even death. Psychological effects may include feelings of helplessness and isolation, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a loss of trust in medical professionals.
It is important to recognise the signs of medical abuse within domestic and family violence in order to provide appropriate support and resources to victims. Some common signs of medical abuse may include:
Refusal or inability to seek medical care or access necessary medication or medical equipment
Injuries or physical harm that are inconsistent with reported medical conditions
Forced or coerced medical procedures or medication
Medical conditions that are worsening or not improving despite treatment
Feeling intimidated or coerced by a medical professional or caregiver
At Progressive Therapeutic Collective, we work extensively with survivors of domestic and family violence.
If you have any concerns about how to access us safely, please contact us on 0403 703 305 or admin@progressivetherapeutic.com.au.