A Qualitative Examination of Ethical and Legal Considerations Regarding Dating Violence

Abstract

Despite the increased attention to dating violence among adolescents and young adults, limited information is available on ethical and legal considerations specific to this population. Therefore, this qualitative study explores 21 trainees' and practitioners' conceptualization of ethical and legal issues pertaining to adolescent dating violence. Data are collected through focus groups included as part of an ethics and legal issues seminar. Six themes are identified to illustrate ethical and legal issues concerning dating violence: knowledge, client welfare, counseling interventions, informed consent and disclosure, barriers, and counselor reactions.

Walking Children Through a Minefield: How Professionals Experience Exploring Adverse Childhood Experiences

“…So you do that, and then it’s like, if nothing happens, you’ve just betrayed their trust and nothing happened. ( Sikes et al, 2012 , p. 1481)…”

“…This theme captures the participants’ fear of taking a child into the minefield where they could trigger a mine and hurt the child. As the participants felt unable to predict the consequences of their actions, they felt anxious that their attempts to help would make the child’s situation worse ( Engh Kraft et al, 2016 ; Kraft & Eriksson, 2015 ; O’Malley et al, 2013 ; Sikes et al, 2012 ).…”

“…In three studies ( Engh Kraft et al, 2016 ; Kraft & Eriksson, 2015 ; Sikes et al, 2012 ), the participants described how revealing ACEs could catch them in a dilemma between different ethical and legal standards. An example from Kraft and Eriksson’s study ( 2015 ) is the contradiction between upholding client confidentiality and their legal obligation to report uncovered ACEs.…”

“…In five studies, participants doubted if they should lead the child into the minefield if they were unsure they could walk the child to safety ( Barter, 1999 ; Engh Kraft et al, 2016 ; O’Malley et al, 2013 ; Ramachandran et al, 2013 ; Sikes et al, 2012 ). One professional explained the situation as follows: “You can’t just give child abuse or domestic violence a prescription and make it better; you can’t scan it away, radiate away, so they won’t ask” ( O’Malley et al, 2013 , p. 277).…”

“…Something happened to her—you’re going to have to distance yourself. Kind of transference” ( Sikes et al, 2012 , p. 1483).…”