Training mental health professionals on violence against women

This research assesses what forms of training mental health professionals have received on four forms of violence against women (sexual assault, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and childhood sexual abuse [CSA]/incest). A systematic probability sample of N = 415 licensed Illinois mental health professionals (licensed professional counselors, licensed social workers, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed clinical/counseling psychologists) indicates that 56% have received training on sexual assault, 59% on domestic violence, 36% on sexual harassment, and 78% on CSA/incest. Training on sexual assault, domestic violence, and CSA/incest usually takes place in continuing education courses and provides instruction on therapy techniques and referral sources for victims. Training on sexual harassment usually focuses on workplace policies, not on the clinical issues of treating clients who have been victims of sexual harassment. The participants' recommendations for future training are summarized and implications for practice are discussed.