Use of CBT to Treat Victims of Domestic Violence

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Women will continue to suffer from domestic violence unless there is some sort of intervention to help them. When dealing with this population, it is essential to create a safe environment where the woman can talk freely about the abuse without any retaliation from the abuser. When someone comes into a therapeutic session, everyone deserves to be treated with respect and care. This in turn will create a sense of hope that a different type of life can be possible. Also, knowing that there is a support system can help the woman begin the process of change. Despite this, the process of leaving the abusive partner is slow (Warshaw, n.d.) Warshaw (n.d.) stated that the first stage of intervention is identifying that there is domestic abuse. Asking about the abuse will help the battered woman open up and learn that there are services available when she feels ready to use them. A very important skill to use when dealing with battered women is validation because it will help the woman see that she is not alone and there is help. Women in this predicament usually blame themselves for the abuse and are told to make the best of it. Secondly, discussing information about domestic violence is important. The use of the “Power and Control” wheel is helpful in describing the controlling behavior of the abusive partner, with the message that the abusive behavior will likely continue to increase over time. Thirdly, it is important to develop a safety plan that addresses decisions regarding leaving and where to go, educates on safety-related issues such as returning back to the abusive partner, plans for handling the situation, and refers to domestic violence programs in the community. Sullivan and Bybee (1999) stated that there are few effecti... ... middle of paper ... ...ntervention: a new paradigm in ending family violence. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company. Meichenbaum, D. (n.d.). Family violence: treatment of perpetrators and victims. Retrieved from http://www.melissainstitute.org/documents/treating_perpetrators.pdf Stover, C. S., Meadows, A. L., & Kaufman, J. (2009). Interventions for intimate partner violence: review and implications for evidence-based practice. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 40, 223-233. Sullivan, C. & Bybee, D. (1999). Reducing violence using community-based advocacy for women with abusive partners. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 67(1), 43-53. Warshaw, C. (n.d.). Identification, assessment, and intervention with victims of domestic violence. Retrieved from http://www.numerons.in/files/documents/Intervention-with-Victims-of-Domestic-Violence.pdf

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