Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) and intergenerational transmission of IPV in families are destructive social issues in need of considerable attention. Knowledge of the multi-level, complex causes, and consequences of IPV in the United States has increased significantly over the last two decades. Given these gains in learning, the authors’ aim here is to highlight recent critical and emerging theoretical perspectives on IPV. Frameworks included for application are intersectionality theory, historical trauma and decolonization, human rights, constructivist self-development theory, the posttraumatic growth paradigm, and adverse childhood experiences. This discussion will help to illuminate the dynamics of IPV that are actionable by practitioners using frameworks that promote cultural sensitivity, inclusion, and strengths-based practice with diverse populations. The authors discuss the scope of IPV while focusing on critical vulnerable people and exploring issues of relative privilege and oppression. Next, the authors review the historical body of theory informing understandings of IPV, and emerging theoretical frameworks on IPV. We offer conclusions throughout as they relate to the application of highlighted theories to IPV.
Highlights
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a social injustice and significant public health issue in the United States that negatively affects individuals, families, and communities systemically and across generations
Nothing is a more dangerous misuse of practice privilege, than to engage with IPV survivors based on assumptions
The limitations of theory must be omnipresent in training not to provide a false sense of assuredness, for those new to clinical training
Summary
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a social injustice and significant public health issue in the United States that negatively affects individuals, families, and communities systemically and across generations. Over the last several decades, a reflexive process involving IPV narratives of lived experiences, grassroots activism, policymaking, program and service development, research, and education has built the US service systems that are in place today. While some gaps have closed in addressing the systemic effects of IPV, the problem has not abated. The authors of this paper aim to participate in this process by providing a focused review of and reflection on, emerging theoretical perspectives on IPV that hold promise to address the problem. The authors aim to provide practitioners and those in clinical training with a unique theoretical analysis of IPV that results in implications for practice, policy, and research
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
