Assessment of Spousal/Partner Abuse: Intersectionality, Diversity, and Culture
Presented by Erica E. Rodriguez, Psy.D., MFT
Recorded on Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Access provided upon registration on “My Courses” page
This program, “Assessment of Spousal/Partner Abuse: Intersectionality, Diversity, and Culture,” provides a comprehensive exploration into the complexities of intimate partner violence (IPV) as it intersects with diverse identities. The training begins by defining spousal/partner abuse, covering various forms of violence—physical, emotional, financial, and sexual. It emphasizes the importance of understanding IPV through the specific communities they are part of to underscore the widespread nature of this issue and the unique vulnerabilities faced by marginalized groups.
The program explores intersectionality, a concept introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw, which helps frame the distinct challenges faced by individuals based on their multiple, overlapping social identities, such as race, gender, class, and ability. With the understanding that each of these identities shapes a person’s experience and response to IPV, highlighting the necessity for assessors to consider factors like race and ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and disability when evaluating IPV cases. The training stresses that cultural sensitivity is crucial to accurately assess and support survivors. This includes understanding the impact of cultural beliefs, family dynamics, and potential barriers to accessing help, such as fear of law enforcement, immigration status, and community stigma.
To support practitioners in conducting culturally competent assessments, the program provides practical tools for building rapport, using open-ended questions, and engaging in self-reflection to identify and work towards minimizing biases. Through this training, participants will gain skills and insights to assess IPV within a culturally diverse framework, empowering them to offer empathetic, individualized support.
This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 1.5 CEs for Psychologists, 1.5 IL CEUS for Counselors and Social Workers, 1.5 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs, or 1.5 NBCC Clock Hours. (*NBCC Clock Hours are available for live program attendance only.)
This program, “Assessment of Spousal/Partner Abuse: Intersectionality, Diversity, and Culture,” provides a comprehensive exploration into the complexities of intimate partner violence (IPV) as it intersects with diverse identities. The training begins by defining spousal/partner abuse, covering various forms of violence—physical, emotional, financial, and sexual. It emphasizes the importance of understanding IPV through the specific communities they are part of to underscore the widespread nature of this issue and the unique vulnerabilities faced by marginalized groups.
The program explores intersectionality, a concept introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw, which helps frame the distinct challenges faced by individuals based on their multiple, overlapping social identities, such as race, gender, class, and ability. With the understanding that each of these identities shapes a person’s experience and response to IPV, highlighting the necessity for assessors to consider factors like race and ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and disability when evaluating IPV cases. The training stresses that cultural sensitivity is crucial to accurately assess and support survivors. This includes understanding the impact of cultural beliefs, family dynamics, and potential barriers to accessing help, such as fear of law enforcement, immigration status, and community stigma.
To support practitioners in conducting culturally competent assessments, the program provides practical tools for building rapport, using open-ended questions, and engaging in self-reflection to identify and work towards minimizing biases. Through this training, participants will gain skills and insights to assess IPV within a culturally diverse framework, empowering them to offer empathetic, individualized support.
After attending this introductory-level program, participants will be able to:
- Identify various forms of intimate partner violence, including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, and understand their prevalence within diverse communities.
- Speak to how intersecting social identities—such as race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and ability—shape the experiences of survivors and influence their access to resources and support.
- Discuss the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups in reporting IPV, including fear of law enforcement, cultural stigma, immigration concerns, and community or family dynamics.
This program meets APA’s continuing education STANDARD 1.2: Program content focuses on ethical, legal, statutory or regulatory policies, guidelines, and standards that influence psychological practice, education, or research.
This program meets APA’s continuing education GOAL 3: Program will allow psychologists to maintain, develop, and increase competencies in order to improve services to the public and enhance contributions to the profession.
General Admission: $30
The Chicago School Faculty/Staff/Alumni/Site Supervisors: $20*
The Chicago School Students: $15*
(*Please email [email protected] for coupon code)
Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.
Erica E. Rodriguez, Psy.D., MFT – Core Faculty, MFT Department, Assistant Professor
Dr. Erica Rodriguez (She/Her/Ella) is a queer Latina psychologist and first-generation advocate with over 27 years of experience supporting marginalized communities, including communities of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and immigrant families. Growing up in a low-income, Spanish-speaking household, Dr. Rodriguez gained a personal understanding of identity complexities and the systemic barriers faced by underserved populations. In her 15 years of clinical practice, she has provided therapy in English, Spanish, and bilingual settings, working with children, families, couples, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Rodriguez earned her PsyD from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and has served as a professor at both Pacific Oaks College and the Chicago School, where she taught specialized courses for Latinx, African American, and LGBTQIA+ students. As an active member of initiatives like the Social Justice Leadership Academy and the Racial Equity Fellowship, she mentors students and advocates for systemic change, particularly around issues of homelessness and mental health policy. Known for her expertise on intersectionality and cultural competence, Dr. Rodriguez is a sought-after speaker, dedicated to advancing practices that support the unique needs of diverse communities.
Broaddus, M. (2021). The intersectionality of race, gender, poverty, and intimate partner violence. Indiana Health Law Review, 17(2), 207–227. https://doi.org/10.18060/25045
Cardenas, I. (2020). Advancing intersectionality approaches in intimate partner violence research: a social justice approach. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 32(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313204.2020.1855494
Daniels, J. (2018). Experiences of intimate partner abuse amongst LGBTQ women of color. ScholarWorks. https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/8g84mm69c
Reid, R. J., Bonomi, A. E., Rivara, F. P., Anderson, M. L., Fishman, P. A., Carrell, D. S., & Thompson, R. S. (2008). Intimate partner violence among men: Prevalence, chronicity, and health effects. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 34(6), 478-485.
Target Audience: Anyone working as a mental health professional that may come in contact with those possibly experiencing spousal/partner abuse and are from diverse cultures.
Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1.5 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods.
Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1.5 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159
Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036
MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.
National Board. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1.5 NBCC Clock Hours. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 3036. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Non-Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.
*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.
If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.