Screening for Physical Violence in Couple Therapy: Methodological, Practical, and Ethical Considerations

Abstract

Over two-thirds of clients in family therapy clinics engage in some form of physical violence against their partners within the year prior to the initiation of therapy. However, family therapists are aware of only a small proportion of these cases. The purpose of this article is to enhance the ability of family therapists to detect marital violence. We examine client and therapist reasons for why physical violence is not detected. We then review various methods to screen for the presence of physical violence, especially the Conflict Tactics Scales. Finally, indicators of life-threatening violence are presented to help family therapists detect cases that require immediate intervention to protect the partner whose life may be in danger.

Recognizing and Responding to Partner Violence: An Analog Study

“…This is better than would be expected based on the previous research in this area. Many of the former studies report that clinicians do not do a good job of recognizing partner violence in their clients (Aldarondo & Straus, 1994;Avis, 1992;Goodstein & Page, 1981;O'Leary, Vivian, & Malone, 1992;Stith, 2000).…”

“…It is likely to result in health problems, stress, depression, divorce, injury, or even death (Sitterding, 2003). Therefore, further research into this phenomenon is warranted (Aldarondo & Straus, 1994;Hansen, Harway, & Cervantes, 1991;Stith, Smith, Penn, Ward, & Tritt, 2003;Strawderman, Rosen, & Coleman, 1997).…”

“…Furthermore, therapists who encounter intimate partner violence in their practice and fail to recognize or discuss the problem may perpetuate the status of the victim. The outcome of treatment can be greatly affected by the manner in which violence is detected and addressed (Aldarondo & Straus, 1994). Moreover, a failure to address the issue may place the victim at risk of further harm (Douglas, 1991;Hansen et al, 1991).…”

Conjoint therapy and domestic violence: Treating the individuals and the relationship

“…In North America, millions of women are presently being exposed to physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, and financial forms of abuse (Sudermann & Jaffe, 1999). Aldarondo and Straus (1994) and O'Leary, Vivian and Malone (1992) reported that over two-thirds of clients who are in family therapy have engaged in some type of violence against their partner within one year of commencing the therapy. Johnson and Lebow (2000) reported that domestic violence statistics, even taken within family therapy settings, are typically an underestimate, due to many people being afraid to report the violence.…”

Working systemically with family violence: risk, responsibility and collaboration

“…Researchers are beginning to assess the costs of domestic violence -economic, psychological and socialand note that a high proportion of victims of child maltreatment end up in the mental health system as adults (Ammerman and Hersen, 1999). Aldarondo and Straus (1994) estimated that two-thirds of clients in couples/family meetings engaged in physical violence against their partners in the year prior to the initiation of therapy. Ehrensaft and Vivian (1996) found that of 60% of couples seeking therapy who had experienced physical violence, only 10% spontaneously reported the violence.…”