Screening and Intervention in Domestic Violence and Abuse
Many professionals recognize the harm caused by domestic violence, but may not realize that it can go beyond the obvious physical incidents. In reality, domestic violence often includes more subtle patterns of abuse and
coercive control that can easily be missed when attention is focused solely on the presenting problem. When this happens, the accuracy of assessments and the effectiveness of treatment may be compromised, and the safety and wellbeing of clients and others can be at risk. In many situations, simply asking the right questions at the right time can help prevent life‑altering harm, as well as the anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use concerns that can arise in the context of domestic violence.
Dr. Chris Huffine is the Executive Director of Allies in Change, an organization dedicated to increasing awareness and providing education about healthy relationships with oneself and others. He has specialized in the field of domestic violence for over 30 years. He developed this training to support professionals from diverse disciplines who carry the critical responsibility of screening for and intervening in domestic violence.
In this training, Dr. Huffine:
- Explains how to routinely and safely screen clients for domestic violence, whether they are experiencing harm or have caused harm to others.
- Provides guidance on what to do when screening indicates the presence of domestic violence.
- Offers a clear, step‑by‑step approach to working with individuals affected by domestic violence, including victims and those who have offended, even when this is not your primary area of expertise or clinical focus.
Interactive Follow-Up Meeting
Attendees are invited to join an open discussion 15 minutes following the end of the training, where you can engage with fellow attendees by turning on your camera and microphone. This is an opportunity to share your experiences and contribute to a meaningful exchange of ideas. Time will be allocated to address questions or insights from the training. Please note that attendance is optional and will not affect your eligibility for a training certificate.
1) Apply screening for domestic abuse victimization and perpetration in your clients.
2) Identify concrete steps to take to provide assistance and support to those individuals dealing with domestic violence in their lives.
3) Explain how to adapt traditional therapeutic interventions when domestic violence is present.
4) Demonstrate strategies to prevent the exacerbating or colluding with any domestic violence a client is experiencing or perpetrating.
Audience
This training is primarily for professionals who work directly with people who have been or may have been abusive, experienced abuse, or are otherwise affected by it. Those who work with other forms of abuse, such as sexual violence, can also benefit from this training. This includes mental health counselors, social workers, clinical psychologists, and forensic experts.
Content Level
Disclosure
Cancellations
Continuing Education Approval
American Psychological Association (APA)
Safer Society Foundation, Inc. is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Safer Society Foundation, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Safer Society Foundation, Inc., provider #233, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 06/06/2025—06/06/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 3 clinical continuing education credits.
Who's Presenting
Chris Huffine, PsyD
Chris Huffine, Psy.D., licensed psychologist, is the Executive Director of Allies in Change. He offers individual and couples counseling with adults on a variety of issues including mood disorders, stress management, relationship/intimacy issues, and addictions. During Chris’ career, he has worked with over a thousand abusive men and hundreds of female and male victims of abuse. Chris is also an adjunct faculty member at Portland State University where he teaches an anger management class and speaks on domestic violence. Dr. Huffine is a national expert on working with abusive partners and has provided trainings around the country, including a semi-annual 40-hour training in Portland on the Allies in Change curriculum. He recently published a book for abusive partners called “Becoming Allies . . . With Your Partner, Yourself, and Others: Addressing the Abuse and Control in Your Relationships”. He is a member of the advisory group to the Oregon state attorney general to monitor standards for batterer intervention programs and of the Oregon Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team.