A Framework for Assessing Technology-Mediated IPV

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a common public health problem that damages many romantic relationships. It is defined as abuse or aggression that occurs between intimate partners with an estimated ⅓ of women worldwide having some experience as the recipient of IPV at some point in their lives. While couple therapists are improving their ability to recognize the presence of IPV in practice, there are still gaps in assessment, especially as it pertains to the role technology plays in facilitating and exacerbating IPV. Given the dangers and damage resulting from IPV, it is imperative for couple therapists to assess broadly and across many contexts for the prevalence of technology-mediated IPV. The purpose of this article is to inform clinical practice by (1) presenting reasons why couple therapists overlook technology-mediated violence, and (2) present strategies for therapists to better address technology-mediated IPV.

Keywords:

• Intimate partner violence
• technology
• couple therapy
• assessment

Notes

1 We advise readers to the Couple and Family Technology Framework (Hertlein, 2012 original paper on the model) or Cooper’s Triple A Engine (2002)

2 We elected to use the word “survivor” to create a sense of greater empowerment; we acknowledge that those affected by IPV may choose to identify with whatever terminology seems appropriate to them.