Premarital Counseling for Domestic Violence

Couple in need of counseling

You're about to get married, but in a moment of clarity you realize your relationship is not all it should be. This article will give you some insight as you decide whether to get married and whether to consider counseling before doing so.

Identifying Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can include physical abuse and sexual abuse. It can also include intimidation and control mechanisms such as keeping you isolated, name-calling, controlling the household money and demanding certain behavior.

Course of Action

Where you go from here is up to you--if you want to continue this relationship, premarital counseling may help. Counseling can be beneficial where domestic violence has been part of a couple's lives.

Outcome

Domestic violence is a crime and nobody should be subjected to it. However, you cannot drag you partner to a therapist; if he is unwilling to go, therapy will be unsuccessful.

Type of Therapist

When it comes to counseling, it is imperative to see a therapist who has substantial training with domestic violence issues. Not all therapists have such training and you should find someone who does.

Education

Learn all you can about domestic violence and whether it exists in your relationship. Information does not hurt--domestic violence does.

References

• domesticviolence: Definition
• Counselor: Is Couples Counseling or Premarital Counseling right for you?
• American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence: A Survey of Recent Statistics

Resources

• Helpguide: About Domestic Violence
• Europe Conference of Ministers of Justice: Breaking the Silence, United Against Domestic Violence