Abuse Quote by Susan Weitzman
““Canadian researcher Donald Dutton . . has written that marital work with a man who has a history of relationship violence may be a “conflict-generator” and that individual work . . should come first for both husband and wife. … Marital therapy does not provide the battered woman the kind of safety she needs for rebuilding her strength and finding her identity. The consequences may be severe if she is truthful in a couple’s session. She may be too afraid. Moreover, many upscale batterers can be charming and persuasive and may convey a far different image of themselves to the therapist than the one that reflects the woman’s reality at home.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Domestic Violence and Marital Therapy, Journal of Family Psychology, 2015
Marital counseling can endbatebate for victims of abusive partners, as the abusive dynamics may persist or intensify in joint sessions, risking the victim’s safety and recovery.
In simple terms: Couples therapy may harm abused partners.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize individual safety before joint therapy.
Themes
domestic violence
therapy
safety
power dynamics
Mood
concerned
cautious
Type
clinical
analytical
When to use this quote
- court-mandated counseling
- individual therapy
- protective planning
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
conflict generation
abuse cycles
therapeutic alliance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can therapists ensure safety in couples counseling?
- What alternatives exist for abusive relationships?
A Different Perspective
Joint sessions can expose victims to further manipulation and fear.
