Incidence, Explanations, and Treatment of Partner Violence

Abstract

Partner violence is a societal problem that cuts across all socioeconomic and racial/ethnic lines. Approximately 50% to 60% of couples presenting for counseling have reported at least 1 incident of violence in their relationship history. Many counselors are ill equipped to work with partner violence cases. This article provides an overview of partner violence research as it pertains to incidence, partner abuse typologies, etiology/explanation, and treatment. Developmental and integrated models for explaining and treating partner abuse are given particular consideration.