How are the effects of Domestic Violence treated?

Psychological treatment for victims and perpetrators can be helpful in the aftermath of domestic violence. For battered women, Hatterndorf and Tollerud (1997) recommend a therapy approach in which traditional gender roles are challenged and empowerment of the victim is a primary focus. Individual therapy for victims of domestic violence should begin with a primary focus on safety, particularly if the victim is an currently in abusive relationship. The therapist should assess the current level of dangerousness and lethality in the relationship based on the following factors concerning the batterer : threats of homicide or suicide, possession of weapons, acute depression, alcohol / drug use, history of pet abuse and level of rage (Harwey and Hansen, 1994). The presence of these factors increases the level of potential lethality in the batterer.

In additon to assessing lethality, therapist and victim advocates should develop a safety plan with the victim. A safety plan may contain a strategy for how to leave a dangerous situation ; the preparation of a safety kit- clothing, medications, keys, money, copies of important documents to be kept either near an exit route or with a trusted friend ; and arrangements for shelter unknown to the batterer. (Harway and Hansen, 1994)