Intimate Partner Violence and a Rights-Based Approach to Healing

Abstract

Chapter 4 applies principles from a rights-based approach to clinical practice to work with those who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). The problem of IPV is defined and framed within the context of human rights and selected prevalence data are summarized. The experiences of several special populations affected by IPV are highlighted (i.e., children and families; heterosexual male and LGBTQ survivors; and undocumented survivors). Relevant human rights mechanisms and tools are described and selected core principles and foundational considerations for clinical social workers working with IPV survivors are discussed. Rights-based recommendations and several key challenges for clinical practice with this population are presented. Attention to work with perpetrators (a commonly under-examined topic) is explored in this chapter, highlighting the value of conducting a holistic assessment and working with the complexities presented from a rights-based framework including with those perpetrators who may have been mandated to receive services. Restorative justice approaches are described and discussed, as an alternative model to addressing the problem of IPV. The chapter ends with suggested class activities and selected resources.