Why is it Important to Shift From an Incident-based Model to a Pattern-based Model When Addressing Domestic Violence and Coercive Control?

Why is it important to shift from an incident-based model to a pattern-based model when addressing domestic violence and coercive control?

Relying solely on an incident-based model, which focuses on isolated incidents of abuse, overlooks a significant portion of the abuse experienced by survivors of intimate partner violence. This approach fails to capture the full spectrum of coercive control tactics and the systemic erosion of autonomy and well-being. By embracing a pattern-based model, which recognizes the insidious nature of coercive control and its escalation over time, professionals can intervene more effectively and mitigate the risk of lethality, physical violence, and the psychological impact on children. This shift enables a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play and facilitates tailored interventions to promote safety and autonomy for survivors.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the webinar, Decoding Coercive Control: Advanced Strategies for Proficient Domestic Violence Assessment, presented by Sybil Cummin, MA, LPC, ACS