The Utility of a Function-Based Approach to Intimate Partner Violence and Gender Bias in Family Courts

The prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) is alarmingly high. Leaving an abusive relationship is only part of the solution, especially for survivors who share children with a violent partner. The IPV survivor has to navigate the family court system in order to obtain protection orders and custody arrangements. The decisions made by judges in family courts are influenced by gender-biased theories that rely on myths about women, intimate domestic violence, and the effects of violence and abuse on children. This paper will describe current issues in family court and possible contributions that behavior analysts can provide.