16-111a Attachment and Intimate Partner Violence – 6 Hour Seminar
Jean Clarke-Mitchell, M.S.W., L.I.C.S.W.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Course Description
Domestic violence/intimate partner violence (DV/IPV) remains a complex family societal problem. It is often
described as the use of power and control through physical, psychological, sexual, economical and stalking
behaviors towards a current or former partner. Many approaches has been utilized to better understand why this
phenomenon occurs and continues to thrive among intimates. This course will examine the intersections
between intimate partner violence and attachment. People often wonder “why women stay in domestic violence
relationships” and are often concerned about the safety issues without consideration of the attachment aspects.
Being in a relationship that is unhealthy with attachments that are deeply psychological prevents some from
recognizing the reality of the danger they live with. Some abused partners may believe it is better to stay
because they become aware of the cycle of the violence and often know it will pass eventually. Power and
control require a certain attachment style as a dynamic of the relationship to be successful. Assessment and
treatment strategies will be discussed as part of the intervention strategies, which have been effective in
addressing the issue of IPV disclosed in many clinical settings. Participants will participate in activities that will
increase their awareness, ability, and confidence to assess, treat or make referrals to clients.
Faculty: Jean Clarke-Mitchell, M.S.W., L.I.C.S.W. – Jean is a practicing psychotherapist at the Elizabeth
Freeman Center, Brien Center for Mental Health, and has a small private practice. Her work at the Elizabeth
Freeman Center is centered on domestic and sexual violence services. She holds a MSW and is PhD/ABD at
Smith College. She lives and works in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.
Learning Objectives
After attending this seminar, participants will be able to:
1. Define intimate partner violence and attachment.
2. Understand the dynamics of intimate partner violence and attachment
3. Identity 3 factors that may contribute to intimate partner violence
4. Increase ability to recognize intimate partner violence in treatment
Bibliography

Bowlby, J. (1984). Violence in the family as a disorder of attachment and care-giving systems. The American
Journal of Psychoanalysis, 44, (1) 9-27.

Bowlby, J. (1997). Attachment and loss, Vol. 2:Separation, Anxiety and Anger. New York NY: Basic books.

Campbell J.C, O'Sullivan C, Roehl J, Webster D.W. Intimate partner violence risk assessment validation study:
The RAVE study. Final Report to the National Institute of Justice (NCJ 209731-209732).

MacMillan H, Cox BJ, Asmundson G.JG, Stein MB, Sareen J. Mental health correlates of intimate partner
violence in marital relationships in a nationally representative sample of males and females. Journal of
Interpersonal Violence. 2009; 24(8):1398–1417.

Schechter, S. (1982). Women and male violence: The visions and struggles of the battered women’s movement.
Boston, MA: South End Press.