Conjugal violence: A critical review of current research and clinical practices

Abstract

Abstract This article reviews the existing research dealing with conjugal violence and critically evaluates the usefulness of these findings for clinical practitioners. The clinical literature concerning interspousal violence is then reviewed. The relative merits of the leading clinical approaches to treating conjugal violence are discussed, and a number of critical issues involved in working with violent relationships are outlined. Suggestions for joining with violent spouses, overcoming initial resistances, and keeping violent spouses in treatment are offered. Finally, those situations for which marital therapy may not be considered the treatment of choice are discussed.