Considerations of Conjoint Couples Therapy in Cases of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

This article reviews the current literature on the implementation of conjoint couples counseling in cases of intimate partner violence (IPV). As maintained by feminist theorists, due to the possibility of perpetuating or increasing violent behaviors within a couple, a conjoint treatment for IPV is generally contraindicated. However, multiple studies have shown that conjoint approaches do not increase the risk of harm to the victim. Following a thorough assessment of the dynamics of violence within a relationship, individual personality patterns, and adequate counselor training in IPV, a conjoint approach may be beneficial to reduce violent behaviors while increasing communication, problem-solving skills, and overall relationship satisfaction.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention using a cross-sectoral couple-based intervention: results from a cluster randomised control trial in Ibadan, Nigeria

“…43 Despite concerns that conjoint interventions for couples experiencing IPV may increase harm or retaliation against survivors, there is evidence to suggest that in some circumstances, couple-centred interventions can address the underlying relationship dynamics exacerbating violent behaviour. 44 These successes as well as the results from our study indicate that a couple-centred approach can be an effective way to reduce IPV. While we do not have cost-effectiveness data from our study, recent estimates from other programmes indicate that a couple’s approach may be a cost-effective strategy, and that these costs may further go down as programmes are scaled up.…”

“…While we do not have cost-effectiveness data from our study, recent estimates from other programmes indicate that a couple’s approach may be a cost-effective strategy, and that these costs may further go down as programmes are scaled up. 44 …”

“…While we do not have costeffectiveness data from our study, recent estimates from other programmes indicate that a couple's approach may be a cost-effective strategy, and that these costs may further go down as programmes are scaled up. 44 Our study was unique in its focus on enhancing women's empowerment within the household by targeting three critical domains of disempowerment: spousal relationship, financial decision-making and reproductive power. Although the intervention did not directly discuss IPV, its emphasis on shifting couple relationship dynamics by targeting traditional gender norms and providing relationship education and skills-building was effective in reducing physical IPV, and these positive changes appear to have sustained over time.…”

Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy on Reducing Depression and Anxiety Symptoms and Increasing Dyadic Adjustment and Marital Social Skills: An Exploratory Study

“…S. Dobson & Dezois, 2010; Hawton et al, 1992). In summary, CBCT treatments may improve relationship satisfaction and promote well-being and also reduce emotional and psychological violence (Hurless & Cottone, 2018). It is necessary to note that long-term intimate relationships in conflicts might lead to a range of harm psychosocial variables, aggressive behaviors, and greater risk and vulnerabilities for mental disease (Rajani et al, 2016).…”

A Systemic Conceptualization of Intimate Partner Violence: Attachment and Differentiation

“…Intimate partner violence (IPV) can be defined as “physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression (including coercive tactics) by a current or former intimate partner” (Breiding et al, 2015, p. 13). Traditional conceptualizations and therefore treatments of IPV were based on the Duluth model that uses an individual lens and within the framework of a “perpetrator” and “victim” (Hurless & Cottone, 2018; Stith et al, 2012). However, the definition of IPV has expanded, along with the treatment modalities, identifying that there are more nuances in the typologies of IPV (Stith et al, 2012).…”