To date, minimal research has focused on the recovery process for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study utilized a phenomenological methodology to understand the lived experiences of survivors of IPV ( N = 123) who had overcome abusive relationships and created violence-free and meaningful lives. The researchers aimed to understand key factors involved in their recovery processes. Results indicated two main processes in the IPV recovery process: intrapersonal processes and interpersonal processes. Intrapersonal processes included (a) regaining and recreating one's identity, (b) embracing the freedom and power to direct one's own life, (c) healing from the mental and physical health symptoms of the abuse, (d) fostering acceptance and forgiveness with self and abuser, (e) education and examination of abusive relationships, (f) determining whether and how to enter new intimate relationships, and (g) acknowledging the long-term process of overcoming abuse. Interpersonal processes included themes of (a) building positive social support and relationships and (b) using ones' experiences with abuse to help others. Results of the present study are presented, and implications for practitioners are discussed.

This article presents a diffusion of innovation theory‐based framework for addressing the gap between research and practice in the counseling profession. The author describes the nature of the research‐practice gap and presents an overview of diffusion of innovation theory. On the basis of the application of several major postulates of diffusion of innovation theory to the research‐practice gap, several theory‐based research practices and questions are proposed.

TABLES 1 AND 2 CAN BE FOUND AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE Abstract:This article presents a systematic review of empirical research examining intimate partner violence among same-sex couples. Seventeen studies that met the inclusion criteria were rated using a 15-item evaluation questionnaire. The results indicated that the existing body of research examining same-sex intimate partner violence demonstrates some common methodological strengths and limitations. The authors conclude with a list of recommendations for future research based on the results of this study. Article:Same-sex intimate partner violence (SSIPV) describes acts of physical, psychological, and emotional, and sexual abuse that occur between two intimate partners of the same sex or gender (Murray, Mobley, Buford, & Seaman-DeJohn, 2007). Rates of SSIPV are comparable to rates of heterosexual domestic violence, with approximately one quarter to one half of all same-sex intimate relationships demonstrating abusive dynamics (Alexander, 2002;T. W. Burke, Jordan, & Owen, 2002;McClennen, 2005;Pitt, 2000). The consequences of SSIPV can be severe and affect the involved individuals in many areas of their lives-including their physical and mental health, extended family relationships, social support networks, occupational functioning, and financial well being. SSIPV is therefore a significant issue facing the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population.To date, a limited body of research exists examining the prevalence, dynamics, and consequences of SSIPV. Previous researchers studying the issue have acknowledged significant limitations within the existing research that reduce its usefulness and generalizability, as will be discussed in the review of the literature section. The purpose of the study described in this article was to conduct a systematic evaluation of recent empirical research examining SSIPV. We sought to determine the strengths and weaknesses of this growing body of research in order to define the current state of research examining SSIPV. In addition, we aimed to develop directions for future research based on the needs demonstrated within the existing literature. We recognize the challenges inherent to studying an issue that is as shrouded in silence as SSIPV; therefore, the intent of this study is not to disparage previous researchers and their scholarly endeavors, but rather to provide a solid foundation for stronger research to aid in the understanding of this complex issue.To that end, we reviewed 17 empirical studies examining SSIPV that appeared in the scholarly literature between January 1995 and July 2006. We located studies through an extensive search of databases in relevant academic disciplines. We then conducted a systematic review of the methodologies used in those studies. For this review, we adapted the methodological review strategies used in two previous studies: the review of family preservation program research by Heneghan, Horwitz, and Leventhal (1996) and the review of heterosexual intimate partner violence p...

The authors explored experiences of stigma from professional helpers toward survivors of intimate partner violence in two related studies with a combined sample of 231 participants. Qualitative interview and quantitative survey data were analyzed with content analysis procedures using an a priori coding strategy. Results suggest that survivors felt stigmatized by mental health professionals, attorneys and judges, health care professionals, law enforcement, professionals in the employment or education systems, parenting-related professionals, as well as friends and family. The most frequently occurring stigma categories were feeling dismissed, denied, and blamed. Participants cited the most common sources of stigma occurred from interactions with professionals in the court system and law enforcement officers. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Previous research suggests that survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) experience stigma, which may affect their willingness to seek help and their recovery process following the end of the abusive relationship. This article presents the Integrated IPV Stigmatization Model, which integrates previous research on the components and sources of the stigma surrounding IPV. Content analysis procedures were used to examine the applicability of the model to qualitative data from an electronic survey with 279 survivors of past abusive relationships. The results demonstrated the most common components and sources of stigma experienced by the participants, as well as the patterns of which components were most common among the various sources of stigma. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.

This article outlines a solution-focused approach to premarital counseling. Solution-focused premarital counseling is a strength-based approach that focuses on a couple's resources to develop a shared vision for the marriage. Background information about premarital counseling and solution-focused therapy provide the framework for the development of intervention strategies that are grounded in the solution-focused approach. Solution-oriented interventions include solution-oriented questions, providing feedback, and the Couple's Resource Map, an original intervention that is described in this article.

The authors present a methodological review of empirical program evaluation research in the area of intimate partner violence prevention. The authors adapted and utilized criterion-based rating forms to standardize the evaluation of the methodological strengths and weaknesses of each study. The findings indicate that the limited amount of empirical research related to intimate partner violence prevention demonstrates some consistent methodological strengths and limitations. The authors conclude with a presentation of recommendations for further research in the area of intimate partner violence prevention.

Existing research suggests that a significant stigma surrounds intimate partner violence, and this stigma can make it difficult for survivors to receive help. This article presents the results of a research study that used hierarchical cluster analysis to identify whether certain types of stigma are more likely to co-occur. Survey results revealed four clusters based on participants’ stigma-related experiences: low stigma, blamed and black sheep, shame and separation, and high stigma. Participants in the high stigma group reported the highest levels of verbal abuse. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.