Main description:

Individuals who engage in intimate partner violence have high rates of previous exposure to trauma and, most notably, to childhood violence. While decades of research support this finding, most models of intimate partner violence and training programs for practitioners who work with these individuals fail to take into consideration the impact of trauma on relationship functioning. Such programs are thus often ineffective in preventing or reducing violent behaviour. The urgent need for programmes that give greater weight to trauma has been highlighted by the needs of returning military veterans who have experienced significant trauma and engage in intimate partner violence.

This book provides mental health professionals the knowledge and skills they need to deliver effective treatment to individuals who engage in intimate partner violence. The authors draw on their extensive clinical experience as well as their own recent studies to help clinicians assess and intervene both with military personnel and civilians who belong to this ""hard to treat"" population. Their positive approach to treatment addresses trauma-related issues in those who experience intimate partner violence as well as those who engage in it.

Clearly written and approachable, it provides guidelines for intervention with groups, couples, and individuals, providing much-needed answers to both common and unexpected clinical challenges.

A comprehensive appendix features ready-to-use worksheets and forms for both practitioners and their clients, including:

Common Reactions to Trauma
Trauma Impact Questions
Anger Analysis Form
Roots of Your Communication Style
Conflict Analysis Sheet

Contents:

Introduction
I. Foundations
Social Information Processing Model of Trauma and Intimate Partner Violence
Trauma and Intimate Partner Violence in Military Veterans
Trauma and Intimate Partner Violence in Civilian Populations
Assessment
Safety Considerations
Process Considerations

II. Trauma-Informed Intimate Partner Violence Interventions and Examples

Group Interventions
Example of Group Intervention
Couples Interventions
Example of Couples Intervention
Individual Interventions
Examples of Individual Intervention
Adjunctive Interventions

Afterword: Conclusions, Future Directions, and Challenges
Appendix A: Group Philosophy
Appendix B: Common Reactions to Trauma
Appendix C: Trauma Impact Questions
Appendix D: Anger Analysis Form
Appendix E: What to Do During Time-Out
Appendix F: ""Survival Mode"" and Alternative Thoughts
Appendix G: Anger Meter
Appendix H: Roots of Your Communication Style
Appendix I: Identifying Feelings Handout
Appendix J: Daily Feelings Expression
Appendix K: You've Been Caught Doing Something Nice
Appendix L: Common Themes Related to Trauma
Appendix M: Conflict Analysis Sheet
Appendix N: Time-Outs: Planning, Preparing, and Practicing
Appendix O: Daily Feelings Expression
References
Index