Intimate partner violence (IPV) and femicides are prevalent in societies marked by patriarchy and misogyny. While women generally face a higher chance of victimization than men, one’s racial identity and social context can impact risks of victimization. Due to the COVID pandemic there have been increased rates of IPV due to chronic stressors and the restriction of movement. Even in isolation, survivors still suffer from the echoes of past abuse. Clinical observations have revealed, in some cases, the reemergence of PTSD symptoms during the pandemic for survivors of past abuse. This necessitates a discussion of EMDR therapy and methods of assisting survivors of gendered violence. This presentation will provide a review of attachment styles, betrayal trauma, and an exploration of how the adaptive information processing model can assist in reprocessing the trauma that survivors carry with them. Case examples will explore the AIP model, IPV, and anti-racist psychotherapy perspectives.
David Archer, MSW, MFT
