Trauma-informed and oppression-sensitive intervention for those who engage in intimate partner violence

Despite acknowledgment that trauma and trauma-related problems are among the strongest risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV), development and dissemination of trauma-informed interventions for this problem has been slow relative to other areas of intervention. In this chapter, we review definitions of trauma that expand current diagnostic definitions to include psychological abuse and historical trauma. We then discuss a trauma-informed social information processing model that has been used to help explain common links between trauma and IPV and we incorporate the role of the experience of racism with respect to this model. We describe several process factors and oppression-sensitive considerations that may be relevant in work with trauma-exposed individuals who use IPV, and then provide recommendations for facilitating a positive therapy process. Lastly, we provide two examples of trauma-informed IPV intervention, Strength at Home and The Men’s Group. For each, we discuss their theoretical underpinnings, provide an overview of program elements, and review some of the available research.