1. The medical model serves individuals as patients who need medical diagnoses and treatments. (p. 102) The patient is seen as having a disease, and often is given medication. The provider using the medical model would see both the abuser and the victim as patients, each with his/her own need for treatment. Each person involved may be prescribed antianxiety or antidepressant drugs. (p. 106) The family experiencing abuse will be treated by medical professionals in a medical setting. The reason for the abuse is a disease of the abuser, and the victim will contract a disease because of the abuse. Either way, the cure of the disease is the goal. (p. 102)
2. The public health model emphasizes prevention and treats large groups. The public health model treats clients as if they have a disease, yet also recognizes that there are environmental factor. (p. …show more content…
The strengths of the medical model are that serious medical diseases are dealt with. (p. 102) Medical diseases, such as mental illnesses, can be extremely detrimental to a family. (p. 109) When properly treated, people may not result to abuse. The weaknesses of the medical model are that the environmental factors are not considered. Abuse is not often purely a result of disease or mental illness. Environmental factors such as poverty or previous abuse will contribute as well. These factors need to be taken into account.
2. The strengths of the public health model are that the medical and environmental factors are considered. (p. 113) Some abusers and victims require medication, and prevention education will prove to be very beneficial. Also, resources are made available over large areas. The weakness of the public health model and familial abuse is that prevention is the key, and not as much treatment. The public health model seems to be more considered with the population as a whole, and less about the individuals. (p.