Running Head: ALVIRA – OCASIO GROUP TREATMENT PLAN 1 ALVIRA – OCASIO GROUP TREATMENT PLAN 11 Group Treatment Plan Domestic-Violence Group Victoria L. Alvira-Ocasio Liberty University Problem: Domestic Violence - Intimate Partner Violence Secondary Problem: Rape Survivors Adapted from The Group Therapy Treatment Planner 2nd Edition By Kim Paleg and Arthur E. Jongsma, Jr. Counselor: Victoria Alvira-Ocasio Population and Demographics of Group The domestic violence group consists of ten female adults, of heterogeneous ethnicity, ages 18- 35. The women in this group have recently experienced domestic violence in an intimate relationship or marriage; or have experienced it in the past and are suffering from the lingering effects. The women in this group struggle with fear, lack of trust, low self-esteem, emotional numbing and avoidance of interpersonal relationships. Three, of these women have survived a violent assault/rape, by hands of their spouse/partner and have not sought previous help out of fear, helplessness or shame, because they remain in the relationship. For some of the women, the domestic violence experienced has affected their ability to sleep, communicate, problem-solve and ensure the safety of their children and themselves. Others have been unable to move on to form healthy social relationships and adequately function in their careers. Definition of Domestic Violence – Intimate Partner Violence Domestic violence (DV), also known as Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the most common form of violence against women. It is the intentional infliction of physical, sexual, emotional abuse and controlling behaviors by an intimate partner. Domestic violence can occur in all settings, and among all socioeconomic, cultural and religious groups. This violence may lead women to negative health consequences, including physical injuries or conditions and mental health disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2019). Some behavioral definitions are that domestic violence can leave the person feeling worthless, hopeless and terrified. Some women lose their sense of self-sufficiency and stay in the relationship because they feel helpless and unable to provide a safe and adequate shelter for their children and themselves. Women in these situations feel responsible for or deserving of the abuse. Definition of Secondary Problem: Rape Survivors A rape survivor is someone who has suffered an act of sexual violence by force and against his or her will.Someone a rape survivor knows most often perpetrates the act of sexual violence. This includes intimate partner relationships. There are different terms to refer to acts of sexual violence that occur within intimate partnerships. These are intimate partner sexual violence, domestic violence, intimate partner rape, marital rape, and spousal rape. No matter what term is used or how we define the relationship, it is never okay to engage in sexual activity without a person’s c.