Domestic Violence in Intimate Relationships
Dec 17, 2015
Jennifer L. Baker, Psy.D. Anne B. Summers, Ph.D. Debbi Steinmann, M.A.
Training Instructor / MentorsMelissa A. Gibson, M.S.
Kim Rozell, M.A.
Graduate AssistantsBrent Anderson, M.S. Matthew Biller, M.A. Cate Brandon, M.A Dawn Clinard, M.A.Jessie Clinton, M.S.
Tabitha Carlson, M.S.Anup Jonathan
Tony Larson, B.A. Nicole Mannis, M.A.
Robert Mindrup, M.S.S.W.Colleen Quinn, Ph.D. Amber Schafer, M.A.
Amanda Schroeder, B.S.
The Training for the Healthy Marriage
and Family Formation
curriculum was created through the cooperative
efforts of:
Domestic Violence
Definition:1. Violence between current or former
partners in intimate relationships.2. A pattern of behaviors used by an
individual to establish and maintain coercive control over an intimate partner.
CAUTION
Both men and women can be abusers.
However, in most cases domestic violence is perpetrated by men against women.
Therefore, we will generally refer to the male as the abuser and the female as the victim.
Impact of Domestic Violence
on Children• Between 3.3 and 10 million
children witness domestic violence annually.
• Exposure to violence in the home is a significant factor in predicting a child’s violent behavior.
• Fifty percent of men who assaulted their wives also abused their children.
Cultural Aspects of Domestic Violence
• Domestic violence occurs across cultural borders.
• Domestic violence may reflect cultural traditions and practices.
• Many refugees and immigrants have come from repressive cultural practices.
1. Arguments that become physical
2. Intimate Terrorism
Types of Domestic Violence
Arguments that Become Physical
• Occur mainly as an outgrowth of anger and conflict, with both partners capable of violent acts.
• Also termed “common couple,” expressive, or “pit bull” violence.
Types of Domestic Violence
Intimate Terrorism• Manipulative, purposeful violence used as a
tool of power and control.• Usually perpetuated by one member of the
couple against the other.• Also termed “patriarchal,” instrumental, or
“viper” violence.
Types of Domestic Violence
Traditional Cycle of
Violence - Intimate
Terrorism
I. TensionBuilding
II. Crisis Phase
III. Honeymoon
Tactics of Power
and Control-
Power and Control Wheel
Intimate Terrorism
*East Side Domestic Violence Program
Warning Signs
• Bruises and other signs of impact on the skin, with the excuse of “accidents”
• Depression, crying, or emotional withdrawal
• Frequent and sudden absences, frequent lateness
• Alcohol or drug use
Warning Signs
• Fear of the partner and/or references to the partner’s anger
• Isolation• Obvious dependence on the spouse• References like, “I have no money”• Symbolic violence
Why the Abused Partner Stays
FEAR
Economic Retaliation EmotionalCultural Stigma Children
Afraid to be alone No English
Better withtwo parents
Will take the children
Good spouse does not want
to leave
In Love
Hope for Change
Romantic Bond
• Validate it if it is present.
• Women are socialized to succeed in relationships at all costs. – Can be a strength, but
increases vulnerability.
• History of childhood abuse may predispose both partners to violence.
Strategies to Determine Presence of
Domestic Violence• Avoid global questions.• Avoid using words like “abuse” and
“battering”.• Frame questions in terms of conflict
resolution.• Inquire about more minor instances of
abuse first.• Be familiar with various assessment
instruments.
Response to
ViolenceIntimate Terrorism• Separate couples.• Recommend gender
specific treatment groups.
• Possibly couples’ therapy to learn to how avoid escalation so conflict can be addressed directly.
• Anger management, or cognitive/ behavioral strategies, etc.
Arguments that Become Physical
Suitability for Couples’ Work
• Ability to take full responsibility for one’s
use of violence.
• Ability to tolerate hearing partner’s description of being victimized.
• Willingness to work toward stopping
abusive behavior.
• Ability to feel safe after speaking openly about his/her partner’s behavior.
Strategies to Handle Domestic Violence
• Have educational materials about domestic violence on hand in order to share with clients.
• Provide opportunity for domestic violence to be safely disclosed.
• Be prepared to share information with clients about safe havens or shelters.
• Be prepared to help clients develop a safety plan if necessary.
Websites
Power and Control Wheel:East Side Domestic Violence Programhttp://www.edvp.org/AboutDV/wheel.htm
Power and Control and Equality Wheel: Texas Violence Councilhttp://www.tcfv.org/
The Danger Assessment: http://www.dangerassessment.org/WebApplication1/pages/da/ Domestic Abuse Intervention Project:http://www.duluth-model.org
Family Violence Center of Springfield: http://[email protected]
Family Violence Prevention Fund: http://www.endabuse.org/
Websites
Forest Institute of Professional Psychology’s Marriage and Family Department: http://www.forest.edu/clinic/index.html
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: http://www.ncadv.org/
National Domestic Violence Hotline:http://www.ndvh.org
National Immigration Project Website:http://www.nationalimmigrationproject.org/domestic-violence/domvioindex.htm
Violence Against Women Online Resources:http://www.ndvh.org