Using Drawing Following a Story Technique for processing the child’s exposure to intimate partner violence in a group intervention framework

ABSTRACT

This article discusses research regarding the experiences of children exposed to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and presents the Drawing Following a Story Technique (DFST) as a tool for helping children explore and process experiences of exposure to IPV in group therapy. The article addresses the practical and theoretical rationale for the development of DFST; a description of its deployment in a therapeutic setting; and two examples of its use taken from group therapy sessions.

KEYWORDS:

• Domestic violence
• social work with groups
• group therapy
• children
• child abuse

Ethical compliance

The authors of this manuscript have complied with APA ethical principles in their treatment of individuals participating in the research, program, or policy described in the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Notes

1. The nickname “Guri,” a word used to describe a puppy or young animal, is the original name chosen in Hebrew. This nickname is gender-neutral, and can be used as both a male or a female name. However, it should be considered that the story in its present format presents a stereotypical model of dysfunctional family life. The male character in the story is the aggressor, violent toward the woman who is presented as the victim; also, the marriage system is monogamous. Therefore, in order to accommodate sensibilities about gender, we suggest that group workers using the story: (a) amend the story in line with to the group’s composition and the needs of its participants; (b) Incorporate a discourse about different forms of family life into the psycho-educational discussion that is part of the model.