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Parent–Child Interaction Therapy with Domestic Violence Populations

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Abstract

Domestic violence continues to be a significant social problem impacting our society. Battered women and their children experience a myriad of negative consequences as a result of domestic violence. Of the possible negative sequelae that mothers and children experience, the disrupted parent–child relationship has received relatively little attention in the literature. Though psychosocial interventions are available to treat women who experience violence and children who witness violence, few interventions focus on the parent–child relationship. This article describes parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT), a relationship-based intervention. Although not initially developed to treat domestic violence, PCIT has unique characteristics that make it a promising intervention with this population. A rationale for the use of PCIT with battered women and their children is presented.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Katrina Cook, Kelly Davis, and Leslie; Romero for helpful feedback and editorial suggestions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79409-2051, USA

    Joaquin Borrego Jr. & Chikira H. Barker

  2. Towson University, Towson, MD, USA

    Mindy R. Gutow & Shira Reicher

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  1. Joaquin Borrego Jr.
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Borrego , J., Gutow, M.R., Reicher, S. et al. Parent–Child Interaction Therapy with Domestic Violence Populations. J Fam Viol 23, 495–505 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-008-9177-4

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