Narcissistic Abuse Recovery • Education • Support

Why IPV Screening Should Happen Before Family Mediation

Screening for intimate partner violence before mediation helps protect safety and fairness. Here is why it matters and what it looks like.
Raquel Soteldo, RP, with the National Center of Excellence for Intimate Partner Violence and Coercive Control (NCE-IPVCC) and Soteldo Psychotherapy Clinic logos
Raquel Soteldo, RP, with the National Center of Excellence for Intimate Partner Violence and Coercive Control (NCE-IPVCC) and Soteldo Psychotherapy Clinic logos
Raquel Soteldo, RP — Soteldo Psychotherapy Clinic and the National Center of Excellence for Intimate Partner Violence and Coercive Control (NCE-IPVCC).

Family mediation can be a helpful, less adversarial path through separation. But it works best when both people can participate safely and freely. Intimate partner violence (IPV) screening helps check that before the process begins.

What screening looks for

  • Current or past physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse
  • Patterns of control, fear or intimidation
  • Court orders, bail conditions or child protection involvement
  • Whether each person can safely voice their own needs

Each person is seen separately

Screening conversations take place individually and privately, so each person can speak openly without the other present.

Considering a screening conversation?

Our IPV & Coercive Control Screening service offers a confidential, clinician-led conversation to help you understand your situation and possible next steps. Each person is screened separately, and you can share your safest way to be contacted.

Learn more about IPV & Coercive Control Screening →

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For crisis lines and safety resources, visit Help Now.

Looking for self-paced survivor courses and resources? Visit linktr.ee/narcclinic.

This article is for general education and is not a diagnosis, legal advice or a substitute for individual clinical care.

National Center of Excellence for Intimate Partner Violence and Coercive Control is not a psychotherapy service.

In This Article

Need Support?

You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out.