Question
What are the forms of violence in relation to relationship violence theory and research?
Answer
Relationship violence encompasses different forms of violence that require different approaches and resources. Michael Johnson's Relationship Violence Theory identifies three primary forms:
Situational Couple Violence
- Mutual, low-level violence used during conflicts by both partners
- Tends to be relatively stable and not intended to control the partner
- Any gender can be a perpetrator or victim
Intimate Terrorism
- One-sided violence used by a perpetrator to control the victim/survivor
- More severe physically and psychologically, inducing fear
- Often involves sexual violence and techniques like the Power and Control Wheel (isolation, intimidation, manipulation, etc.)
Violent Resistance
- Victim/survivor fights back against long-term intimate terrorism
- Can lead to complex legal cases regarding self-defense or "crimes of passion"
- Requires understanding of history of abuse and survivor's experience
As behavioral health professionals, we must identify clients' experiences based on these forms of violence in order to provide appropriate interventions. Situational couple violence may benefit from conflict resolution approaches, while intimate terrorism likely requires immediate safety planning and trauma-informed care. Attention to violent resistance helps us understand the survivor's motives and trauma. A nuanced, nonjudgmental approach is needed.
This Ask the Expert is an excerpt from the course, Relationship Violence and Research, presented by Wind Goodfriend, PhD, MS, BA.
