Domestic Violence & Marriage Counseling

In many cases of marital discord, marriage counseling is a necessary step if the couple hopes to reconcile and move forward in their relationship. However, many assistance organizations have stated that this type of counseling does not help in violent relationships.

Considerations

According to the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, marriage counseling is ineffective in domestic abuse situations. This is due, in part, to the fact that counseling puts the onus on both parties to change, when it fact it is the abuser who is solely responsible for the abuse.

Effectiveness

In order for marriage counseling to be successful, each party must be truthful. Batterers often deny, manipulate and lie to cover up their violent actions.

Warning

According to the Mayo Clinic, if the violence has gotten to the point where you fear for yourself or loved ones physically, contact the police department or a local battered women's shelter.

Misconceptions

Domestic violence is not a couple's problem; it is an abuser's issue and his issue to resolve alone. Marriage counseling is not effective because the abuser needs individual counseling to cease the violence.

Prevention/Solution

Regardless of the state of the marriage, the victim should also receive counseling to deal with the emotional wounds inflicted during the relationship.

References

• Marriage Counseling: Why It's Done
• Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Why Do Abusers Batter?

Resources

• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence