Training mental health professionals on violence against women

This research assesses what forms of training mental health professionals h ave received on four forms of violence against women (sexual assault, domes tic violence, sexual harassment, and childhood sexual abuse [CSA]/incest). A systematic probability sample of N = 415 licensed Illinois mental health professionals (licensed professional counselors, licensed social workers, l icensed clinical social workers, and licensed clinical/counseling psycholog ists) indicates that 56% have received training on sexual assault, 59% on d omestic violence, 36% on sexual harassment, and 78% on CSA/incest. Training on sexual assault, domestic violence, and CSA/incest usually takes place i n continuing education courses and provides instruction on therapy techniqu es and referral sources for victims. Training on sexual harassment usually focuses on workplace policies, not on the clinical issues of treating clien ts who have been victims of sexual harassment. The participants' recommenda tions for future training are summarized and implications for practice are discussed.