Blog — partner abuse

What's Wrong with the Duluth Model for DV Treatment?

The Duluth Model is a DV treatment program that dominates every level of DV services — from the police officer who responds to a 911 call, to the laws that govern how that officer is supposed to act, to the judge who hears the case if charged, and the treatment services provided to both parties.

From my perspective, the Duluth Model is not only flawed, and unhelpful — it is destructive. 

In this post, I'll give you the background. You can draw your own conclusions. 

How Many Men are Abused by Women?

Abuse of men by their partners, especially female partners, is usually dismissed as infrequent or not harmful, and is often laughed at or even encouraged. But how many men get abused by their wives and girlfriends? How many men experience domestic abuse and violence? What are the percentage stats for abuse of men? What are the relative numbers of abused men and abused women?

My answers will probably surprise you.

Histrionic Personality: Traits and Relationship Risks

Histrionic personalities are flamboyant, melodramatic attention-seekers. They may be the life of the party and draw a partner in with their enthusiasm, charm, and seduction, but then wear the partner out with their need to be the center of the universe.

Explore dramatic HPD traits, how they affect intimate partners, PLUS key differences from narcissism and borderline personality disorders.

Marriage Counselor, Dr Laurel Anderson Testimony, Johnny Depp v Amber Heard Def Trial

A video deposition of Dr Laurel Anderson, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's couples' therapist, was presented during Johnny's WaPo article defamation trial on April 14, 2022. As a therapist and author of several books about partner abuse I've been following this case for a couple of years and was particularly interested in taking a detailed look at this testimony. 

As I worked my way through Dr Anderson's testimony, I developed more and more questions about the therapy and this post became much more extensive than I anticipated.

What Is Borderline PD? Signs, Traits, and Relationship Struggles

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a serious mental health condition marked by instability, intense emotions, and chaotic relationships. Learn how it shows up, how it can affect partners, and where to find help and support.

Ann Silvers Interviews about Abusive Women and Abused Men