Advanced Training in Domestic Violence: Working with Perpetrators

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworker, Supervisor

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: Supervisors and social workers wishing to update knowledge and practice skills in working with perpetrators of domestic violence

Intended Objectives:

• Identify the “typologies” of the perpetrators as cited in the research on batterers of domestic violence
• Identify the distinctions of intimate partner violence
• Demonstrate an assessment and case plan with the focus on intervention for the batterer that addresses safety of the child and victim.
• Identify potential transference/countertransference issues in working with perpetrators of DV
• Identify treatment issues and how to gauge a batterer’s progress in treatment as related to a case plan’s goals.

Topics Include:

• Review of the cycle of violence in relationship to perpetrator dynamics
• Transference/countertransference issues in working with perpetrators
• Distinctions and cultural considerations in working with families with interpersonal violence
• Assessment and safety and case planning with perpetrators
  Treatment of perpetrators and coordination of case planning activities

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

1.2 Student demonstrates self-awareness and the ability to address and overcome personal bias in assessing and working with clients of diverse backgrounds.

2.2 Student is able to critically evaluate the relevance of commonly utilized assessment criteria and intervention models in terms of their usefulness with diverse ethnic and cultural populations.

3.4 Student recognizes and accurately identifies the physical and behavioral indicators of abuse, family violence, and neglect, and can assess the dynamics underlying these behaviors.

3.9 Student demonstrates the ability to engage and work with involuntary clients in a manner that includes the exercise of client self-determination.

3.12 Student understands the inherent power differential in working with clients and can effectively manage and balance that power.

3.13 Student demonstrates the ability and self awareness to assess his or her own value conflicts or emotional responses to clients, coworkers, and situations and seeks consultation when needed.

4.4 Student demonstrates the ability to identify service/treatment plan requirements and to construct measurable objectives for the service plan.

6.3 Student demonstrates the ability to recognize, assess, and devise case plans and referrals to address potential for violence, suicide, and complex psychological difficulties.