Crisis intervention in interpartner abuse.

Most of the literature on partner abuse deals with the pattern wherein one member, the aggressor, repeatedly assaults the other, the victim. In some cases of partner abuse, however, both partners are perpetrators and victims of reciprocal violence. These cases can present as the former, more familiar pattern, if one partner functions as the complainant. To intervene effectively, the professional should identify interpartner abuse at once. Barriers to intervention, on the part of both care providers and abusive partners, should be appreciated. The twofold challenge for the helping professional is to interrupt violence and engage partners in appropriate treatment or counseling. Techniques for accomplishing this are presented. Initial separation of partners is advised. Some important psychological issues can be profitably addressed during intervention. Ironically and simply, intervention should help abusive partners become acquainted with one another.