Neurophysiological Impact of IPV Victimization: One Reason Victims May Return to Abusive Relationships

Presented by Leigh Falls Holman, Ph.D.

Friday, November 22, 2024

9-11am PT / 11am-1pm CT / 12pm-2pm ET

Event held online via Zoom, link to access provided upon registration.

One aspect of working with victims of intimate partner violence that often frustrates and confuses clinicians is the fact that victims often return to abusive relationships, either with the current abuser or through serial abusive relationships (Crowe & Murray, 2015; Fleischack, Macleod, & Bohmke, 2020). It is well documented that there are several social and economic reasons that victims may return to abusive relationships (Crapolicchio et al., 2021; Du Monthier & Dusenbery, 2016; Lahav, 2023; Lin et al., 2023; Roberts et al., 2008; Swadley, 2017). Further, medical literature documents there are multiple neurobiological, physiological, and endocrine changes that occur when someone is the victim of IPV (Boeckel et al., 2017; Fonzo et al., 2010; Goldbert et al., 2023; Halldorsdottir et al., 2019; Kim et al., 2014; Pinto et al., 2016; Scott-Tilley et al., 2010; Simmons et al., 2008; Teche et al., 2017; Wong et al., 2014; Yim & Kofman, 2019). Given that we know that neurophysiology impacts psychological functioning and behavior, it is logical for clinicians to consider how these changes may contribute to a victim’s decision to return to an existing abusive relationship and/or enter serial abusive relationships.

The presenter will provide a short introduction and a literature review including neurophysiological research related to intimate partner violence victimization, research on neurophysiology on decision making and behavior, and existing theories regarding IPV victims returning to abusive relationships. Utilizing the literature as a foundation, the presenter will discuss a model implicating post-traumatic neurophysiological impacts of IPV in victims’ frequent return to abusive relationships and challenge participants to apply this model to cases. Clinical and research implications will be discussed.

Zoom link will be available on course page in “My Courses” upon event registration. 

This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 2.0 CEs for Psychologists, 2.0 IL CEUS for Counselors and Social Workers, or 2.0 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs.