Law, Policy and Ethics 1
LAW, POLICY AND ETHICS
By (Name)
Course
Professor’s Name
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Location of Institution
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, Law, Policy and Ethics 2
Law, Policy, and Ethics
Introduction
The case concerns Eloise, a 28-year-old woman experiencing abuse from her partner,
Eddie, whom she met in college. She is 29 weeks pregnant and has a 5-year-old daughter from a
previous relationship. Eddie shows controlling and manipulating tendencies by deciding what
Eloise can or cannot do, interact with, or go to. He deleted friends on social media and flushed her
makeup down the toilet to stop her from attending a party. Eddie also accused Eloise of having an
affair when she asked about his two-day disappearance, whereby an argument ensued. The police
were called, but the issue was resolved. There have been ongoing concerns about Eloise's daughter
at the school regarding possible abuse due to behavior change. The Children's Social Care was
contacted because Eddie screamed at Margot for dropping some chips in the car.
Various concerns and strengths are noted in this case. Eloise, who is also pregnant, is
presenting with psychological abuse. The pregnancy leaves her significantly vulnerable to the
abuse, which also heightens the impact of abuse. The abuse highly predisposes her to postnatal
depression. Margot is also highly predisposed to mental health issues such as anxiety and
depression, given the current experiences that led to her behavior changes. Various shortcomings
from various agencies have also been noted, which failed to protect both victims from the abuse.
There are no reports of referral for further investigation or services, especially when the police
were called to investigate the noise from Eddie and Eloise's house. This paper will discuss the
above elements and the social work laws, policies, and guidance to help promote positive changes
in such situations. It will also discuss the ethical tensions and practical issues from the intervention
and application of legislation concerning the domestic abuse case.
, Law, Policy and Ethics 3
Pressing Concerns and Strengths Applicable To the Scenario
Pressing Concerns
Eloise is experiencing domestic abuse. According to the Domestic Abuse Act of 2021,
domestic abuse is described as abusive behavior towards an adult, mainly if the perpetrator and
the victim are both above 16, are connected, and live in the same household (Domestic Abuse
Act, 2021). An abusive behavior may consist of physical, sexual, violent behavior, and
economic, psychological, emotional, or controlling and coercive actions towards another person
(Domestic Abuse Act, 2021). This act also describes domestic abuse as behavior directed
towards another person related to the victim. For instance, in this case, Eddie's actions towards
Margot may be characterized as abuse towards Eloise.
Eddie is demonstrating controlling, manipulating, and coercive behaviors. Coercive
control is described as an act or pattern of acts of intimidation, assaults, threats, and humiliation.
These acts can harm, punish, or frighten the victim, leading to their loss of freedom and safety
(Women's Aid, 2024). Coercive control alienates the victims from their social groups or support,
leading to deprivation and exploitation. This activity regulates their everyday activities and
behaviors, denying them independence and pervading the victim's life (Stark, 2012; Women's
Aid, 2024). Everyday coercive control actions or behaviors seen in Eloise and Eddie's case
include isolation from friends and family. Eddie controls Eloise's phone, monitoring who she
speaks to and eliminating others he deems threats to their relationship.
Eloise is experiencing psychological abuse, hence the risk for declining mental health.
Research indicates that women exposed to domestic abuse have higher chances of developing
mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, and severe outcomes, such as bipolar
disorder and schizophrenia (BASW, 2021); Nathanson et al., 2012).
LAW, POLICY AND ETHICS
By (Name)
Course
Professor’s Name
Institution
Location of Institution
Date
, Law, Policy and Ethics 2
Law, Policy, and Ethics
Introduction
The case concerns Eloise, a 28-year-old woman experiencing abuse from her partner,
Eddie, whom she met in college. She is 29 weeks pregnant and has a 5-year-old daughter from a
previous relationship. Eddie shows controlling and manipulating tendencies by deciding what
Eloise can or cannot do, interact with, or go to. He deleted friends on social media and flushed her
makeup down the toilet to stop her from attending a party. Eddie also accused Eloise of having an
affair when she asked about his two-day disappearance, whereby an argument ensued. The police
were called, but the issue was resolved. There have been ongoing concerns about Eloise's daughter
at the school regarding possible abuse due to behavior change. The Children's Social Care was
contacted because Eddie screamed at Margot for dropping some chips in the car.
Various concerns and strengths are noted in this case. Eloise, who is also pregnant, is
presenting with psychological abuse. The pregnancy leaves her significantly vulnerable to the
abuse, which also heightens the impact of abuse. The abuse highly predisposes her to postnatal
depression. Margot is also highly predisposed to mental health issues such as anxiety and
depression, given the current experiences that led to her behavior changes. Various shortcomings
from various agencies have also been noted, which failed to protect both victims from the abuse.
There are no reports of referral for further investigation or services, especially when the police
were called to investigate the noise from Eddie and Eloise's house. This paper will discuss the
above elements and the social work laws, policies, and guidance to help promote positive changes
in such situations. It will also discuss the ethical tensions and practical issues from the intervention
and application of legislation concerning the domestic abuse case.
, Law, Policy and Ethics 3
Pressing Concerns and Strengths Applicable To the Scenario
Pressing Concerns
Eloise is experiencing domestic abuse. According to the Domestic Abuse Act of 2021,
domestic abuse is described as abusive behavior towards an adult, mainly if the perpetrator and
the victim are both above 16, are connected, and live in the same household (Domestic Abuse
Act, 2021). An abusive behavior may consist of physical, sexual, violent behavior, and
economic, psychological, emotional, or controlling and coercive actions towards another person
(Domestic Abuse Act, 2021). This act also describes domestic abuse as behavior directed
towards another person related to the victim. For instance, in this case, Eddie's actions towards
Margot may be characterized as abuse towards Eloise.
Eddie is demonstrating controlling, manipulating, and coercive behaviors. Coercive
control is described as an act or pattern of acts of intimidation, assaults, threats, and humiliation.
These acts can harm, punish, or frighten the victim, leading to their loss of freedom and safety
(Women's Aid, 2024). Coercive control alienates the victims from their social groups or support,
leading to deprivation and exploitation. This activity regulates their everyday activities and
behaviors, denying them independence and pervading the victim's life (Stark, 2012; Women's
Aid, 2024). Everyday coercive control actions or behaviors seen in Eloise and Eddie's case
include isolation from friends and family. Eddie controls Eloise's phone, monitoring who she
speaks to and eliminating others he deems threats to their relationship.
Eloise is experiencing psychological abuse, hence the risk for declining mental health.
Research indicates that women exposed to domestic abuse have higher chances of developing
mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, and severe outcomes, such as bipolar
disorder and schizophrenia (BASW, 2021); Nathanson et al., 2012).
