MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE VICTIMS IN AFRICA

Abstract

Considering the high rate of report on intimate partner violence in Africa and other parts of the world, Motivational Interviewing (MI), serve as a good approach and platform to help clients who are victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). MI is an evidence-based, directive client-centered and guiding communication style of working with resistant clients to elicit and enhance readiness to change. MI as an approach is based on the principle of experimental social psychology in exploring and resolving ambivalence. The collaborative nature of the working relationship between the counselor using MI and the IPV client is central and unique. In using MI, the counselor sets the tone for a collaborative working relationship by recognizing the IPV client as an expert of her life and experiences.