Couples counseling warning: Research indicates that couples counseling is inappropriate for couples experiencing domestic violence unless the following conditions are present:

1. The threat of future psychological and physical abuse has been greatly reduced.
2. The period of non-violence is at least as long as any previous period of non-violence.
3. Both parties agree they want to work on the relationship.
4. Batterer has accepted responsibility for the abuse. This usually means batterer has completed Batterers Intervention Program.

To provide couples counseling without these conditions being met endangers the victim and children!