Domestic Violence: Assessment, Intervention, and Ethical Considerations for Psychologists

Course overview

This continuing education course provides licensed psychologists with an in-depth, evidence-based understanding of domestic violence (DV), including its forms, psychological impact, and implications for clinical practice. Domestic violence is a pervasive public health issue that significantly affects mental health outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Psychologists are uniquely positioned to identify, assess, and intervene in cases involving survivors, perpetrators, and affected family systems. This course emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and ethically grounded approaches to care. Participants will learn to recognize patterns of coercive control, conduct comprehensive risk assessments, and implement evidence-based psychosocial interventions. Special attention is given to diversity considerations, including the influence of culture, gender, socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, and systemic inequities on the experience and reporting of domestic violence. This course also reviews current national guidelines, legal responsibilities, and mandated reporting requirements relevant to psychological practice. Through case-based examples and interdisciplinary perspectives, participants will develop practical skills to enhance client safety, improve treatment outcomes, and collaborate effectively with community resources.