LMSW Practice Test

In counseling battered women involved in lengthy marriages, the social worker should keep in mind that many believe

1. they can stop the violence by learning new techniques to control the behavior of their mate

2. do not care for the batterer and find it easy to decide to leave

3. do not experience ambivalence toward the batterer or the relationship

4. trust the confidentiality and protection of the agency

The correct answer is: they can stop the violence by learning new techniques to control the behavior of their mate

The belief that many battered women think they can stop the violence by learning new techniques to control their partner’s behavior highlights the dynamics of abusive relationships. Women may feel a sense of responsibility for their partner's actions and think that by altering their own behavior or by implementing specific strategies, they can influence their partner to change. This perspective often stems from the psychological and emotional impact of being in a violent relationship, where the victim might seek to regain a sense of control by believing they can modify the abuser's behavior through their own actions. This often reflects a broader phenomenon where individuals in abusive relationships may internalize the issue, believing that if they just acted differently, the violence would cease. This scenario underscores the complexity and challenges faced by social workers when counseling these women, as it is essential to address these beliefs while also empowering them to recognize their right to safety and autonomy. In contrast, the other viewpoints may not accurately depict the psychological state of many women in such situations. For instance, the belief that women do not care for the batterer simplifies a complex emotional issue where many feel a sense of attachment despite the abuse. Similarly, the notion that they do not experience ambivalence overlooks the conflict they often feel, torn between love for their partner and the