Domestic Violence and Its Relationship to Complex-Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

By Lori Bourgard, Ph.D.

2 Credit Hours (CE Credit)

PDF Document - Includes CLE or CE certification test.

Abstract

The pervasive and potentially lethal nature of domestic violence has caused it to receive increased attention from the media, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.  The term “domestic violence” can imply that the perpetrator is an “intimate partner”, a current or former spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend.  While legal definitions vary among states, domestic violence is recognized as consisting of a pattern of behaviors that are used to create a system of power and control over a family member, partner, or ex-partner.        

It has been reported that intimate partner violence affects more than 32 million Americans (Tjaden and Thoennes, 2000a).  The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control notes that most intimate partner violence is not reported to authorities.  It is estimated that only 25% of physical assaults, 20% of intimate partner rapes or sexual assaults, and 50% of stalkings directed toward women are reported to the authorities (Tjaden and Thoennes, 2000a).  As a result, the available data apparently underestimate the actual incidence of intimate partner violence.  Victims often may be reluctant to report the violence to authorities due to feelings of guilt and/or shame, and due to the very real fear of possible retribution by the perpetrator. 

2 CE Hours Available for

Mental Health Professionals

Cost: $19.95