Treatment of Marital Violence (From Clinical Handbook of Marital Therapy, P 385-405, Neil S Jacobson and Alan S Gurman, eds.)

• NCJ Number: 108965
• Author(s): A Rosenbaum; K D O'Leary
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 21 pages
• Sale Source: Guilford Publications, Inc.
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This guidance for the treatment of marital violence focuses on assessment, treatment conceptualization, treatment strategies, relationship enhancement, and therapist issues specific to marital violence.

Abstract

Although marital violence may take a number of nonphysical forms, this paper primarily discusses intervention techniques for controlling physical violence. Issues pertaining to assessment are whether violence is occurring in the relationship; if so, whether the wife needs protection and the services of community agencies; and the selection of an appropriate treatment modality. In conceptualizing treatment, the foci are attitude and behavioral change in both parties and the husband's acceptance of responsibility for his violent behavior. Treatment strategies encompass the setting of ground rules, the use of violence-control techniques and a time-out period, the development of communication skills, and attention to marital conflicts. In focusing on relationship enhancement, the therapist must address the development of new relational patterns in the marriage as the violence ceases. Therapist issues specific to marital violence include limit setting, accepting the batterer without accepting his behavior, and ethical and legal problems. 41 references.