An Introduction to Intimate Partner Violence

Significant mental health issues result from the trauma of Intimate partner violence (IPV), also referenced as domestic violence (DV). Intimate partner violence (IPV) does not discriminate.  According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2020), it occurs to anyone irrespective of age, race, socioeconomic, sexual orientation, religion and gender. Survivors of IPV have varied treatment needs with symptoms ranging from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance use, self-harm, depression and anxiety, just to name a few. It is further noted that there is a wide array of outcomes from some clients recovering quickly while others impacted indefinitely. It is important for mental health providers to understand IPV, how to treat it and how to help survivors identify other resources to create successful client outcomes (Warshaw, Sullivan, Rivera, & NCDVTMH, 2013).

This presentation will provide the participant an introductory understanding of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), also known as domestic violence (DV), and create more successful treatment outcomes. The participant will gain an increase in knowledge of facts and the prevalence of IPV. They will recognize the dynamics and strategies used by a perpetrator, as well as the societal factors that impact IPV. There will be recommendations on treatment with survivors/victims, such as considering the impact of trauma, assessing for IPV through a client’s lifespan, differentiating treatment phases using Dr. Judith Herman’s Triphase Model of Trauma Recovery, which will also include best-practice interventions within each of those treatment phases. Finally, the participant will have an increase in understanding of what victim advocacy is and of the resources available to victims of IPV, so they can be better equipped to understand and educate the client, and make appropriate referrals to best support the healing and recovery of the client.