Domestic Abuse: How to Assess Abusive Relationships

Counseling Toolkit for June 2018

Abuse in relationships has been highlighted by the recent #MeToo movement that broke open a national dialogue about the abuse of power, mainly in the workplace. It was groundbreaking because it exposed the abusive attitudes and behaviors that had been condoned in established institutions within society. But what about the abuse of power within the home? Or within intimate relationships? In such relationships, signs of physical abuse might be noticeable, but other forms of abuse, such as emotional or psychological abuse, are harder to detect. This month’s tool will clarify how to assess domestic abuse, offer signs of what to look for in destructive relationships, and what not to do if you come across victims of domestic abuse.

Lorraine Schaefers
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist