Strengthening domestic violence theories: intersections of race, class, sexual orientation, and gender

Abstract

Current family therapy theories and practices of domestic violence place an important emphasis on gender. Employing the notion of intersectionality, this article demonstrates how the relevance and applicability of contemporary theories and practices may be enhanced through the inclusion of primary dimensions of social life, including but not limited to race, class, and sexual orientation. Theoretical in nature, this article suggests future directions for theory construction and clinical practice, drawing on literature not easily accessible to most marital and family therapists.