Domestic Violence in Intimate Relationships

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.

Types of

Abuse

• Psychological

• Emotional

• Physical

• Sexual

• Economic/Financial

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://fvc@sbcglobal.net

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

Questions