Women face a heightened risk of sexual assault, often perpetrated by individuals they know rather than strangers (Kearl, 2018; Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, 2023). Research indicates that perpetrators typically follow a discernible grooming process (Duron, 2020; Gracie, 2018). Studies have identified key factors that may increase a woman's vulnerability to such victimization (Duron, 2020; Pereira, et al., 2020). Additionally, research outlines distinct personality traits common among perpetrators (Gomez, et al., 2024; Mousilo & Calhoun, 2012; Scully, 1990).
Women experiencing IPV seeking support from providers of medical and mental health services have often reported that they haven’t felt supported (Feder, 2006; Tarzia, et al., 2020; Wright, et al., 2022.) Literature shows that professionals often experience barriers that hamper their ability to fully show up for clients experiencing victimization (Di Napoli et al., 2020; Hegarty, et al., 2020; Hudspeth, et al., 2022; Lanthier, et al., 2018; Lutz, et al., 2023; Peeren, et al., 2024; Tarzia, et al., 2021; Teshome, et al., 2023; Young, et al., 2024).
By deepening their understanding of sexual grooming and its indicators, therapists can enhance their ability to recognize warning signs in their clients, conduct thorough risk assessments, and engage in safety planning to mitigate risks. This knowledge is crucial for fostering a safer therapeutic environment and supporting at-risk individuals with greater efficacy.
https://frumtherapist.com/workshops/IdentifyingIPVjan25/viewIntimate Partner Violence (IPV) Risk Factors in Women and Intervention Strategies for Therapists
Previously Recorded
Presenter: Ilana Orange, LCSW
Course Length: 4 Hours
This workshop Offers 4 Continuing Education Credits
This webinar is recorded and will not grant live credits.
Women face a heightened risk of sexual assault, often perpetrated by individuals they know rather than strangers (Kearl, 2018; Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, 2023). Research indicates that perpetrators typically follow a discernible grooming process (Duron, 2020; Gracie, 2018). Studies have identified key factors that may increase a woman's vulnerability to such victimization (Duron, 2020; Pereira, et al., 2020). Additionally, research outlines distinct personality traits common among perpetrators (Gomez, et al., 2024; Mousilo & Calhoun, 2012; Scully, 1990).
Women experiencing IPV seeking support from providers of medical and mental health services have often reported that they haven’t felt supported (Feder, 2006; Tarzia, et al., 2020; Wright, et al., 2022.) Literature shows that professionals often experience barriers that hamper their ability to fully show up for clients experiencing victimization (Di Napoli et al., 2020; Hegarty, et al., 2020; Hudspeth, et al., 2022; Lanthier, et al., 2018; Lutz, et al., 2023; Peeren, et al., 2024; Tarzia, et al., 2021; Teshome, et al., 2023; Young, et al., 2024).
By deepening their understanding of sexual grooming and its indicators, therapists can enhance their ability to recognize warning signs in their clients, conduct thorough risk assessments, and engage in safety planning to mitigate risks. This knowledge is crucial for fostering a safer therapeutic environment and supporting at-risk individuals with greater efficacy.
Agenda (including a 15-minute break)
DEFINING THE PROBLEM (30 minutes)
-Introduction to the topic
-Statistics about IPV (DiNapoli, 2023; Noel, 2023; Wertheimer-Meier & Hill, 2022)
-Literature recap about the experiences of women trying to obtain professional support (Feder, 2006; Tarzia, et al., 2020; Wright, et al., 2022)
-Literature recap about how professionals respond when faced with women suffering from IPV (Hegarty, et al., 2020; Hudspeth, et al., 2022; Lanthier, et al., 2018; Lutz, et al., 2023; Peeren, et al., 2024; Tarzia, et al., 2021; Teshome, et al., 2023; Young, et al., 2024).
RESEARCH on PERPETRATORS (45 minutes)
-Dark Tetrad Characteristics (Gomez-Leal, et al., 2024)
-Narcissists and great first impressions (Back, et al., 2010). Vulnerable narcissists and vulnerability grooming
-Rape myths acceptance (Boehner, et al., 2006; Johnson, 2009; Johnson & Beech, 2017; Mouislo & Calhoun, 2013; Suarez & Gadalla, 2010; Tokar, 2023; Trottier, et al., 2021; Yapp & Quayle, 2018)
-The boomerang effect of empathy prompting in perpetrators (Bosson et al., 2015; Long & Herr, 2022)
-Reactance Theory and how it relates to sexual assault (Baumeister et al., 2002; Bushman et al., 2003)
-Activities of grooming for a future intimate partner violent relationship (love bombing, boundary violations, and isolation) (Duron, 2020)
RESEARCH on VICTIMS (30 minutes)
-ACES (Pereira et al., 2020)
-Personality Traits (McWilliams, 1984; Oakley et al., 2012; Pereira et al., 2020)
-Additional victim characteristics (Pereira et al., 2020)
-Theory of “The Human Magnet Syndrome”: vulnerable clients are attracted to narcissists and vice versa (Rosenberg, 2019)
CONVERSATION ABOUT THERAPISTS (30 minutes)
-Reflection about possible biases that relate to our ability to support vulnerable clients: difficulty with the topic, ego defenses, a functionality bias, a treatment plan bias
SAFETY PLANNING/RISK MANAGEMENT (30 minutes)
-What not to do: ask a client to trust her gut, send a couple to couples’ counseling, blame the victim
-Proactively: teach safe relationships, empower women to assess risk and set boundaries
-Reactively: make a safety pivot and create an immediate risk assessment and safety plan
-Incorporate motivational interviewing into safety and treatment planning when a client at risk for future victimization is unaware she is in danger
ACTIVITIES: (60 minutes)
-Video (https://www.youtube.com/
-Breakout rooms exercises
-Questions
-Review
-Take the Safety First Pledge
-How to obtain ongoing support when treating vulnerable clients
-Provide ongoing critical feedback to presenter