THE TREATMENT OF VIOLENCE AND VICTIMIZATION IN INTIMATE-RELATIONSHIPS

This essay presents an analysis of violence in intimate life that draw s on multiple theoretical perspectives. These include but are not limi ted to feminist theory, object relations theory, systems theory, narra tive and social constructionist theory, and neurobiology. It is argued that it is possible to be effective in ending violence and abuse thro ugh a modified couples treatment format that addresses relationship is sues, individual trauma, and biological vulnerability while simultaneo usly taking a clear, moral position, that violence, abuse, and inequal ity are intolerable in any form.