This intermediate course addresses the causes, assessment, treatment, statistics, and legal issues concerning Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). It is essential for today’s clinicians to be up to date on this pervasive, growing issue, because much of what we believed about causes, treatment, and prevention was based upon research clouded by ideologies and social views. Debunking the popular notion that IPV is always about power and control, this course goes well beyond such outdated and erroneous assumptions. In addition to articles, this course includes audio interviews with IPV experts (transcripts provided).
The course includes four sections and three audio interviews. Section One presents statistics on the incidence, causes, and effects of intimate partner violence. It includes information on intimate partner violence in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender couples. Section Two presents an overview of how our perspectives on the causes of and treatments for intimate partner violence have evolved. Section Threepresents and discusses assessment. Section Four presents the ethical and legal requirements surrounding intimate partner violence with a particular emphasis on California law.
Educational Objectives
This course will teach the participant to
Discuss statistics on the incidence of IPV broken down by state, ethnicities, and types of IPV, including physical abuse, psychological abuse, and stalking
Describe the incidence and unique dynamics of IPV in same sex and transgender couples
Discuss the dynamics of violence from a multicultural perspective
Evaluate the different dynamics and causes of IPV among male batterers
Evaluate the different dynamics and causes of IPV among female batterers
Describe how to help minimize the effects of IPV on children
Utilize screening and assessment instruments to assess past, current, potential IPV, and different types of IPV
Apply the principles of effective IPV treatment for individuals and couples
Syllabus
Incidence of IPV by race, ethnicity, geography, and gender
Incidence of rape, physical violence, and/or stalking
Incidence of psychological aggression
Statistics on and characteristics of IPV in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected intimate relationships
By race/ethnicity, immigration, and disability status
Abusive partner tactics
Police involvement
List of state IPV resources
Children and IPV
Behavioral, social, and emotional problems
Cognitive and attitudinal problems
Long-term problems
Assessing children's danger and resilience
When IPV between parents does and does not constitute child abuse
Promising practice initiatives and principles to protect children against the effects of IPV
Shifting perspectives on IPV causes and treatments
Outdated view of male batterers
Emerging recognition of high incidence of women on male violence
Changing view of police on domestic violence calls
Changing perspectives of courts
New perspectives on IPV and people who batter
Systemic view: both partners play a role in IPV
Why the systemic perspective is NOT blaming the victim
Strength-based approach: each partner has legitimate, understandable, important needs
Biological/evolutionary perspective on violence and control
Assessment instruments for IPV victimization and perpetration
