Working with Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

By VeriScorePrep Team · 5 min

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pattern of coercive control. Working with survivors demands safety-conscious, empowerment-based practice — and never blaming the victim.

Safety first

• Screen privately; never in the presence of the partner.
• Assess for current risk and history of escalation.
• Conduct lethality assessment — strangulation history, weapon access, threats to kill, recent separation, stalking all increase risk.
• Develop a safety plan together — include code words with trusted contacts, packed essentials in a safe place, financial documents, phone numbers for shelters and hotlines, and the plan for the children if any.
• Have a "go-bag" plan: documents, medications, cash, change of clothes, charger.

What not to do

• Never require the survivor to leave the relationship as a condition of service.
• Avoid confronting the abuser — escalates risk.
• Avoid couple counseling — unsafe for the survivor.
• Do not minimize or rationalize the abuse.
• Document concerns objectively; never use language that implies blame.

Empowerment-based

The survivor, not the worker, decides the timing and pace. Leaving is the most dangerous period — many survivors need several attempts. Honor their autonomy; the survivor is the expert on the danger they live with.

Co-occurring needs

Mental health (trauma, depression, anxiety), substance use often as coping, children's needs (safety, trauma, custody). Address holistically; coordinate with shelters, legal services, and child welfare.

Mandatory reporting

Child abuse and (in some states) vulnerable-adult abuse may be reportable. IPV against a competent adult is not typically mandated, but document and provide the resources.

Domestic violence hotlines and local shelters are essential partners. Build the relationship before a crisis needs it.