The Intimate Partner Violence Stigma Scale: Initial Development and Validation.

The stigma associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major challenge facing those in abusive and violent intimate relationships. This study explored the initial development and validation of the Intimate Partner Violence Stigma Scale, designed to measure stigma related to IPV. An exploratory factor analysis revealed four subscales including internalized stigma, anticipated stigma, perpetrator stigma, and isolation. The scale demonstrates evidence for clinical and research purposes to assess experiences of stigma related to IPV among survivors.

Sources and Components of Stigma Experienced by Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence.

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.

Overcoming Abuse: A Phenomenological Investigation of the Journey to Recovery From Past Intimate Partner Violence.

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.

Domestic Violence Training Experiences and Needs Among Mental Health Professionals: Implications From a Statewide Survey.

There is growing recognition of the interconnections between domestic violence and mental health, especially related to mental health concerns among those who have experienced domestic violence victimization. Despite high rates of mental health concerns among victims and survivors, many mental health professionals lack sufficient training to understand and address domestic violence in their clinical work. The North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission convened a task force to examine training experiences and needs among mental health professionals in the state. A statewide survey revealed that mental health professionals vary in their levels of training to address domestic violence. A key finding was that mental health professionals who had received any training in domestic violence reported engaging in more comprehensive assessment and intervention practices. Implications for future research, practice, and policy are discussed.

Practice Update: What Professionals Who Are Not Brain Injury Specialists Need to Know About Intimate Partner Violence-Related Traumatic Brain Injury.

There is growing recognition of the risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI) among victims and survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). A wide range of physically abusive behaviors may lead to injuries to the head or neck and place an individual at risk for a TBI. The purpose of this article is to consolidate current research and present practical guidelines for professionals, who are not brain injury specialists, but work with clients who may have sustained a TBI in the context of IPV. Recommendations are provided for TBI risk screening, making appropriate referrals, and providing services in light of a potential TBI.

The Coping Window: a contextual understanding of the methods women use to cope with battering.

This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework for understanding the coping strategies used by women who are battered, drawing from the existing literature and qualitative interviews with 10 women seeking services in shelters for women who have been battered. This conceptual framework is needed to reflect the unique complexity of the nature of the chronic and acute stressors associated with battering. The results of the data analyses were integrated with the existing literature to form a model, The Coping Window. This model includes an external frame of contextual influences, as well as a Focus Axis (including emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies) and a Resource Axis (including intrapersonal and interpersonal coping strategies). The Coping Window model could be used in individual or group counseling and educational programs, and additional research is needed to refine this model.

Preliminary construction of a service provider--informed domestic violence research agenda.

This article presents the results of a statewide survey of domestic violence (DV) service providers that focused on the needs, background characteristics, and opinions of service providers related to research. The survey included an examination of service providers' motivation for working in the field, research background and training, and perceptions of research as well as the topics they believe are important for researchers to study, the resources they consult to learn about DV, and their suggestions to help researchers learn more about the nature of their work. The results are integrated into a preliminary agenda for future DV research that accounts for the needs and insight of service providers.

Empirical research about same-sex intimate partner violence: a methodological review.

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.

Methodological review of intimate partner violence prevention research.

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.

Which topics are important to address in premarital counseling? A survey of clergy.

Pastoral counselors who provide premarital counseling must address the topics that are most relevant to couples as they prepare for marriage. This article presents the results of a survey of clergy who provide premarital counseling, demonstrating the relative importance that clergy ascribe to premarital counseling topics, as well as the relationship between religious affiliation and ratings of topic importance.

Solution-focused premarital counseling: helping couples build a vision for their marriage.

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.