Dealing with Domestic Violence in Couples Counseling

1. Dealing with Domestic Violence in Couples Counseling • Assess Domestic Violence • Interview as Couple and Separately • Conflict Tactics Scale • Assess Current Risk of Lethal/Injurious Violence • History and Nature of Violence (e.g., verbal, physical, weapons used?) • Fear of Recurrence • Recent Threats of Violence • Has violence occurred only or mostly when alcoholic is/was drinking?

2. Dealing with Domestic Violence • If Risk of Lethal/Injurious Violence is High: • Provide Separate Treatment for Alcoholic and Spouse • Make a Safety Plan • If Risk of Lethal/Injurious Violence is NOT High: • Treat with Caution and Address Violence

3. Dealing with Domestic Violence • Address Violence in Couples Counseling: • Commitment to nonviolence (“No angry touching.” “No threats.”) • Review at each session successes and challenges to keeping nonviolence commitment • “Time Out” to reduce escalating conflict • Communication Skills Training • Written agreement for at least temporary separation if violence occurs • Address risk of violence if relapse occurs