Relationship Violence: A Model for Family Professionals

Courtship and marital violence represent forms of the same phenomenon and should be examined as relationship violence. A model of relationship violence is proposed, based on three premises: (a) Premarital and marital relationships share characteristics which contribute to the occurrence of violence within those relationships; (b) the forms and frequency of violence in courtship and in marriage are remarkably similar; and (c) violence in premarital relationships may serve as a training ground for marital violence. The advantages and implications of a model of relationship violence for family professionals are discussed.