Relationships Ireland

What To Expect In Counselling For Domestic Violence

Counselling for domestic violence normally involves meeting with each of the individual in the relationship initially to establish the type and extent of the abuse . Participants in our couple counselling programme for domestic abuse must co-operate with a screening assessment and a ‘safe behaviour agreement’. Where mutual violence occurs in the relationship in situations where arguments and disagreements have gotten out of hand then couple counselling may proceed where ‘safe behaviour agreements’ are in place and maintained.

Couple counselling can only proceed in an atmosphere of safety and co-operation. In situations of severe and persistent abuse by one partner against the other couple counselling is not recommended. In this case one of our counsellors experienced in the field of domestic violence meets individually with the victim. We work with them to help arrive at an understanding of the type of domestic abuse they are dealing with and help them decide whether the best option is to leave the relationship or seek to encourage their partner to take the necessary steps to change his or her behaviour.

We also work with them to prepare a ‘safety plan’ which involves clear strategies on what to do where violence escalates to a level where physical harm is likely. This includes having ready access to emergency services numbers and a designated place they can go to stay overnight if needed.

Where perpetrators are willing to come to counselling our focus will be on assisting them in taking responsibility for their behaviour, anger management, communication skills and adherence to a ‘safe behaviour agreement’.