Do you agree with my classmate discussion question below.

Classmate 1 Question How do you recognize domestic abuse? You would look for physical signs such as black eyes, busted lips, sprained wrists, and bruises. There are emotional signs to look for such as low self-esteem, overly apologetic, fearful, anxious, symptoms of depression and even talking about suicide. There are also behavioral signs such as being withdrawn, being late often and isolating themselves from friends and family. If I were to observe domestic abuse, I would talk to the victim when he or she is not near the abuser and talk to the victim. The best thing to do is listen and if they ask you for help such as calling 911, dont hesitate to help. I would also recommend that the victim, have a plan prior to calling for help, this is because they are at greater risk of the abuser retaliating and/or being killed by the abuser. We all see it on the news, where husband kills wife and vice versa. As for the abuser, I would not try to bash them. Personally, I would be nearby, to let them know there is someone else present, which may deter the abuser from abusing the victim. Also, I would not want to do anything to provoke the abuser because that could cause the abuser to do something to the victim when they are not in public. You dont want to risk yourself getting hurt, because you dont know the mental state of the abuser and he or she might have a weapon and try to hurt you for interfering. This would be affective because you are not ignoring the victim and you are trying to help.

Classmate 2 Question You can recognize domestic abuse by knowing the signs such as bruises, black eyes, lacerations, and rope marks, broken bones, open wounds, cuts, punctures, untreated injuries in various stages of healing, the victim may have broken eyeglasses and look disheveled, they may try to hide bruises and cuts by wearing loose fitted clothing and act in strange ways. How would you react and what would you say to the victim? I would act empathetic toward the victim and be ready and willing to give them my time and comfort. I would tell the victim that she is not alone and that I am here for her and help her find strategies in coping and figure out an escape route and find counselors or groups for the victim. To the perpetrator? I would ask Why? what is the reason for the abuse, what is it that they are dealing with to have such rage. Offer them to to counseling together or alone. Maybe the abuser has self esteem issues and finds abusing their partner gives them power. How would this be effective? This would hopefully help both parties figure out a way to get help and maybe overcome the situation. Counseling can be a major important factor in situations like this.