You are working with a client who has been stuck in an abusive
relationship for some time. The only
thing that has kept her going is her daughter and a colleague at work with whom
she is having an affair. For many weeks she has been looking ill and has said
that she is not eating nor drinking healthily.
Her husband is becoming more and more controlling and physically
intimidating.
In today’s session she looks tired and pale and has a huge
bruise on her temple. She appears to be very
nervous but also excited. She starts the
session by saying that after a massive physical fight with her husband last
night, she packed a bag, grabbed her daughter and moved out.
Last night they stayed at a friend’s house, and after your
session she intends to pick up her daughter from the school around the corner and
move their stuff over to her lover’s house. She tells you that she is terrified
that her husband will either hurt her again if he gets the chance, or try to
manipulate their daughter into hating her.
As she starts to discuss her plans she suddenly slumps
forward. She is still breathing but is
unresponsive. You immediately ring for
an ambulance and as you are waiting the call-handler talks you through what to
do until they arrive.
Once the paramedics arrive they take over and you then, in-line
with your contract, start to ring her emergency contact and then realise that
this, is her husband.
What would you do?