Once a victim of violence has disclosed the abuse, discussing her options for the future is the next step. There are three primary options. When discussing options, remember that the clinician s goal is not necessarily to get the woman to leave her current situation. Keep in mind that suggesting counseling for the abusive partner or for the couple is contraindicated.
Couples counseling can be effective only when both individuals view their partners as equals.
This is not the case in an abusive relationship. Moreover, suggesting to a woman that she ask her partner to enter counseling may place her at risk for a violent reaction. You or your designated staff can help the woman think about each of these alternatives so she can choose the best one for her situation. Remember that the woman alone is in the best position to determine what she should do. It is helpful to know legal and social service options and local law enforcement arrest policies when reviewing options.