Domestic Violence

Power and Control

According to the United States Department of Justice and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “We define domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, verbal & psychological actions or threats that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure or wound someone.” “The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically. However, the one constant component of domestic violence is one partner’s consistent efforts to maintain power and control over the other”. Secrecy and excuses play a large role in domestic abuse. It affects millions of people and occurs among heterosexual or same sex couples. It does not require sexual intimacy.

Cycle of Behavior

The pattern of abuse occurs in cycles. It usually begins with the use of verbal intimidation or threats and can escalate to physical violence over time. It may not happen often but remains hidden as a constant terrorizing factor. Domestic violence does not respect gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic or marital status, age, race, culture or religious affiliation. Examples of warning signs and ways in which abusers gain control over their victims:

  • Constant criticism/name-calling
  • Isolation from family/friends/work
  • Extreme jealousy or possession
  • Gas-lighting (denying incidents occurred)
  • Stalking
  • Coercion, manipulation
  • Humiliation
  • Withholding basic necessities (money, food, clothing, etc.)
  • Sexual assault
  • Physical violence or assault
Motivations

Some research reports that abuse is the result of emotional dysregulation or a lack of impulse control. Other research identifies that violent power and control thoughts, beliefs and behaviors are a result of social learning. Whatever the underlying motivation, domestic violence destroys relationships, homes and lives. Everyone has the right to be safe in a relationship. No one deserves to be abused and the cycle can be broken.

Anticipated Skills:

  • New communication skills
  • Recognize emotions
  • Increased self–awareness
  • New ways to be a partner and parent
  • Increased Emotional Intelligence
  • Stop controlling behaviors

Therapy:

  • Weekly meetings in a small group setting as well as Individual sessions
  • Private location
  • Groups last one hour

These services typically come through a legal referral and can constitute 13, 26 or 52 weeks including both Group and Individual sessions.

Back to Forensic

Photo credit: Forensic page- Rachel Bonnett https://www.deviantart.com/untoldpromises/art/Domestic-Violence-Poster-341849398

This page- Getty Images