Module 6: Social and Personal Context and IPV

Instructions "Domestic Violence" (CC BY 2.0) by CMYKane This assignment meets CLO 1, 2, and 3 and MLO 1 and 3. Alessandro and Marina Rossini Elder Abuse Case Study. Elder abuse occurs across cultures and religious groups. There are also several recognized psychographic characteristics such as sexual identity, and histories of substance abuse, family violence, and delinquency that can help us better understand, predict, and prevent victimization and perpetration. For this assignment I would like you to read the following case study and then answer the accompanying prompts: Alessandro and Marina Rossini are Italian American immigrants, devote Catholics living in Memphis, Tennessee. They have no children of their own, but are close to Alessandro’s extended family living in Italy. Maria has one niece living in Manhattan who she thinks highly of but sees rarely. Mr. Rossini, 74-years-old, a former Marine who has served three tours of duty over seas, suffers from multiple physical and mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, alcoholism, and chronic heart disease. He reports that he has been sober for over six years. Maria suffers from lupus and anxiety disorder, both of which are exacerbated by stress. When her illnesses flare up, she is often left in a weakened and depressed state for days. They both have very good relationships with their long-time family physician, who provides ‘old-school’ patient care, including home visits on occasion. Recently, Alessandro was hospitalized for injuries resulting from a fall, but will soon be ready for discharge home. However, his wife of 35 years, Marina, does not want him to come home because during the past year, Mr. Rossini has had very violent outbursts, almost all of which targeted at Marina. For example, a week before his fall, he threw her to the floor, broke her ankle and accused her of infidelity throughout their marriage. While she was on the ground, he punched her in the head with his fists and threatened to kill her. On another occasion he threatened to take away her ‘allowance’ and brandished a large kitchen knife in a threatening manner. During their marriage, Marina reports that there were other physical and psychological abusive encounters, but the abuse has greatly intensified in the last year. She also thinks he may be drinking again. Despite the abuse, Marina did not report it to the authorities because Mr. Rossini threatened to kick her out of the house if she said anything. She also did not mention the abuse to family or friends because she has not developed any close relationships since moving to the US 30 years ago. She also finds the whole situation extremely humiliating. They are on a fixed income, primarily from Alessandro’s pension as a retired Marine. Marina loves Alessandro with all her heart but is afraid for her life if he returns home from the hospital. Marina doesn’t know what to do to keep herself safe. Adapted from: National Adult Protective Services Association (2018). Draw from your readings in this module and the Center for Elders and the Courts web resources, discuss the following in a 1-2-page paper: https://www(dot)eldersandcourts(dot)org/ *Describe categories of abuse identified in this case study (as described in your textbook). Describe the influences of the culture, religion, family and/or individual characteristics and background that might influence the exacerbation, prevention and treatment of abuse in this family. Explain the problems this family might face in accessing criminal justice interventions. Written Assignment Requirements and Tips Your written assignments are intended to test your understanding of course concepts and sharpen your intellectual and analytical skills. You will be required to evaluate, synthesis and apply scholarly resources (assigned textbooks, articles, content guides, discussions and films) in support of your opinions, assertions and arguments. Completing assignments also provides you with opportunities to more fully describe, explain, and analyze what you are reading, discussing, etc. to deepen your learning