Synthesis of the international workshop “Relational Traumas and Violent Relationships”

The international workshop “Relational Traumas and Violent Relationships” was a great success. The event, organized by the Italian Association of Psychology and Criminology on November 25, 2024, at the prestigious Spazio Europa, attracted over fifty participants from around the world. The presence of two internationally renowned speakers and the possibility of following the proceedings in Italian and English made the meeting a point of reference for experts in the field. The collaboration with the European Parliament Office in Italy and the European Commission Representation in Italy gave the workshop even greater importance, underlining the topicality and relevance of the issue at the European level.

For each speaker, a short biography will be presented, highlighting their professional background and areas of expertise. Following this, a concise summary of the speech will allow participants to navigate the various topics proposed.

For requests for further information or for any other information, the Italian Association of Psychology and Criminology is available to provide clarifications and explanations via email at aipcitalia@gmail.com or via WhatsApp at +393924401930.

Priscilla Rucco With a sharp pen and deep sensitivity to social issues, Priscilla Rucco not only informs but also raises awareness. Specializing in topics such as the Red Code and violence against women, she is a resource for exploring these issues and reflecting on the fundamental role of the media in building a more equitable and just society.

Red Code: Alarming Numbers and a Call to Action

Despite a slight decrease compared to the previous year, the number of femicides in Italy remains unacceptable. Approximately 90 women killed in 2024 is a warning we cannot ignore. A high-impact training event, organized thanks to the valuable contribution of international experts such as Carole Warshaw, Wendy D’Andrea, and Elisa Monti, highlighted the urgency of cultural and regulatory change.

Participants, including institutional representatives, psychologists, and criminologists, stressed the need for greater social awareness, more effective laws, and faster justice for victims of gender-based violence. Behind every number is a story of suffering, fear, and, too often, death.

Gender-based violence continues to claim victims in Italy. A highly relevant training event brought together experts and activists to reflect on this tragedy and identify new counter-strategies. It is crucial that each of us does our part by reporting all forms of violence, supporting victims, and promoting a culture of respect and equality.

A high-level training event provided an opportunity to explore the latest regulatory updates and developments in scientific research on gender-based violence. Internationally renowned experts shared their knowledge with participants, providing tools and operational guidance for professionals and practitioners in the field. The data presented confirms the importance of a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to effectively combat this phenomenon.

Massimo Lattanzi

With a solid background in psychology and criminology, Massimo Lattanzi has deepened his knowledge in the field of forensic sciences, becoming an expert in the evaluation and analysis of the psychological profiles of perpetrators. His research activity, evidenced by numerous scientific articles and specialized books, has led him to be recognized nationally and internationally.

AIPC: A Beacon in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

The Italian Association of Psychology and Criminology (AIPC), founded in 2001, is at the forefront of understanding and combating gender-based violence. Thanks to a multidisciplinary team of professionals, AIPC has developed an innovative scientific protocol, ASVS, which allows in-depth assessment of the dynamics of violence and offers personalized interventions for both victims and perpetrators.

Trauma at the Root of Violence

Research conducted by AIPC has highlighted a significant link between relational trauma and violence. Traumatic experiences during childhood, such as abuse or neglect, can leave deep emotional and behavioral scars, influencing future relationships and increasing the risk of perpetrating or experiencing violence.

The Body Tells the Story

Biofeedback, a tool used by AIPC, allows the measurement of the body’s physiological reactions to stress and emotions. This valuable tool helps understand the biological roots of violence and develop personalized interventions for emotional regulation.

A Holistic Approach

AIPC adopts a multidisciplinary approach that integrates psychology, criminology, psychophysiology, and other disciplines. This approach allows a comprehensive understanding of violence and intervention at the individual, relational, and social levels.

Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma

Trauma can be transmitted from one generation to the next, influencing the behaviors and relationships of subsequent generations. Awareness of this dynamic is essential to break the cycle of violence.

Pet Therapy: A Valuable Ally

Animal-assisted therapy has proven to be a valuable tool for managing emotions and reducing stress, especially in people who have experienced trauma. AIPC has initiated a clinical study to evaluate the effectiveness of pet therapy in the treatment of emotional dysregulation.

Training and Awareness

AIPC is strongly committed to training professionals working in the field of violence. Through courses and seminars, the association provides tools and knowledge to effectively address the various facets of violence.

Conclusions

AIPC is a reference point for research and intervention in gender-based violence. Thanks to its innovative and multidisciplinary approach, the association contributes to improving the understanding of the dynamics of violence and offering concrete solutions to prevent and combat this serious social problem.

A.I.P.C. offers you complete and tailored support thanks to a wide range of services. From psychological and psychophysiological assessment to individual, couple, or group training, you will find the most suitable path for your needs. For professionals, we offer specialized training and ongoing supervision to refine skills in addressing violence with a scientific and humane approach. Contact us at 3924401930 or write to aipcitalia@gmail.com for more information.

Tiziana Calzone

Tiziana Calzone is a psychologist and psychotherapist who serves as the coordinator of the Italian Association of Psychology and Criminology (A.I.P.C.). Her expertise focuses on gender-based violence, an area in which she has developed deep competence. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Calzone stands out as the author of numerous scientific articles and specialized books, solidifying her position as a leading expert in the field.

Violence: A Hidden and Deep-Rooted Scourge. Understanding to Prevent

To combat violence, the first fundamental step is to know its deep roots and the mechanisms that fuel it. Often, violence is not an isolated event but the result of complex dynamics and unprocessed emotional wounds.

The Roots of Evil

Traumatic events such as grief, separation, abuse, or significant life changes can leave deep emotional scars. If not addressed healthily, these wounds can predispose to violence, both as a victim and as an aggressor.

The Perverse Bond of Pain

Paradoxically, people can create strong bonds based on shared pain. This bond, often pathological, can lead to violent and destructive dynamics. It is essential to understand that love does not mean possessing or controlling the other.

Isolation and Manipulation

Social isolation and psychological manipulation are often tools used by aggressors to control their victims. Social withdrawal and emotional dependence can make victims particularly vulnerable.

Breaking the Silence

It is crucial to break the silence and ask for help. Recognizing that you are a victim of violence and seeking professional support is the first step towards healing.

The Role of Professionals

Professionals in the field, such as psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers, are essential figures in the recovery path of victims of violence. They can provide the necessary tools to process the trauma, rebuild self-esteem, and establish healthy relationships.

Carmen Pellino

Carmen Pellino is a skilled and qualified professional with a significant role in the development and application of innovative protocols for the assessment and treatment of violence. Her expertise in psychodiagnostics and EMDR makes her a valuable resource for A.I.P.C. and the patients who turn to the association.

Psychological Profiles of Perpetrators and Victims of Violence: An In-Depth Analysis

An in-depth study conducted by AIPC applying the integrated scientific protocol A.S.V.S. has allowed the identification of two predominant psychological profiles among perpetrators of violent crimes:

• Psychopathic Profile: This profile is characterized by a lack of empathy, a tendency to manipulate others, and a disregard for rules and social norms.
• Narcissistic Profile: Individuals with this profile have an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for constant admiration, and a lack of consideration for the feelings of others.

The study also highlighted common characteristics in victims of violence, such as:

• Low Self-Esteem: Victims often have a negative self-image and believe they do not deserve to be treated with respect.
• Tendency to Self-Blame: Victims may blame themselves for the violence suffered, feeling responsible for the aggressor’s behavior.
• Fear of Retaliation: Victims often live in fear of further violence and are hesitant to report the abuse suffered.

The Roots of Violent Behavior

An analysis of the child-parent relationship revealed that the perception of control exercised by parents, particularly fathers, is significantly different between male perpetrators, female perpetrators, and victims. Perpetrators tend to perceive mothers as more controlling, while fathers are perceived as hostile and aggressive. Victims, on the other hand, perceive fathers as more controlling and mothers as more rejecting.

What Do These Results Mean?

These data suggest that childhood experiences, particularly the relationship with parents, can influence the development of personalities predisposed to violence. A family environment characterized by excessive control, hostility, or rejection can increase the risk of developing a psychological profile associated with aggressive behaviors.

Conclusions

Understanding the psychological profiles of perpetrators and victims of violence is essential for the development of effective prevention and treatment interventions. Targeted psychological interventions can help individuals with these profiles change their dysfunctional beliefs and develop healthier relationships.

A.I.P.C. offers you complete and tailored support thanks to a wide range of services. From psychological and psychophysiological assessment to individual, couple, or group training, you will find the most suitable path for your needs. For professionals, we offer specialized training and ongoing supervision to refine skills in addressing violence with a scientific and humane approach. Contact us at 3924401930 or write to aipcitalia@gmail.com for more information.

Carole Warshaw

Carole Warshaw, MD, is the director of the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH), a national resource center dedicated to addressing the intersection of domestic violence, trauma, and mental health.

Gender-Based Violence: A Hidden Scourge

Gender-based violence (GBV) has a devastating impact on victims’ mental health, significantly increasing their risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicidal thoughts. LGBTQ+ people and those already suffering from mental disorders are particularly vulnerable.

Coercion and Control: The Abuser’s Weapons

Abusers often use coercive tactics to maintain control over their victims. A national survey revealed that:

• 58% of victims experienced their partner trying to control their access to healthcare.
• 57% reported sabotage of their mental health treatment.
• 54% were subjected to threats related to their mental health.

Long-Term Consequences

Gender-based violence leaves deep psychological scars. Before the violence, 70% of respondents reported good psychological well-being. During the relationship, this percentage drops dramatically, and even after separation, only 65% report significant improvement.

Impact on Children

Children of GBV victims are at risk of psychological harm and involvement in abusive dynamics. During pregnancy, 60-68% of women experienced restricted access to essential services, and 62-72% faced threats to child custody.

An Integrated Clinical Approach

To effectively address gender-based violence, a trauma-informed clinical approach that considers the specific needs of victims is needed. This approach should include:

• Systematic screening: Early identification of GBV cases during medical visits.
• Psychological support: Offering individual and group therapy.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration: Involving professionals from different disciplines.

In conclusion, gender-based violence is a complex problem with serious consequences for mental health. A multidisciplinary and trauma-based approach is essential to help victims rebuild their lives.

Wendy D’Andrea

Given her affiliation with the New School for Social Research and the Trauma Research Foundation, Dr. Wendy D’Andrea is an expert researcher and/or professor in the field of trauma, with a focus on understanding the biological mechanisms and risk factors associated with relational trauma and violence.

Relational Trauma, Violence, and Biology: An Indissoluble Link

Relational trauma, often rooted in childhood or adolescence, leaves deep scars not only psychologically but also biologically. Dr. Wendy D’Andrea and Dr. Elisa Monti, in a recent workshop, explored how traumatic experiences can affect our bodies and behaviors, making us more vulnerable to future violence or, in some cases, predisposing us to perpetrate it.

About 50% of people experience some form of violence during their upbringing, with long-term consequences for mental and physical health. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and relationship difficulties are just some of the possible manifestations. But how is this link between trauma and long-term consequences explained?

The Psychobiology of Trauma

Prolonged exposure to traumatic situations alters our nervous, hormonal, and immune systems. These changes, initially helpful in coping with danger, can over time compromise our ability to regulate emotions, relate to others, and cope with stress. For example, reduced parasympathetic activity, associated with relaxation, can lead to hypervigilance and difficulty concentrating.

Voice as an Indicator of Vulnerability

One of the most fascinating aspects of this research is the analysis of voice as a possible indicator of vulnerability. Recent studies suggest that a person’s vocal characteristics could reveal a history of trauma and make them more susceptible to victimization. In a study conducted by the research group, it was shown that listeners, especially those with psychopathic traits, were more accurate in recognizing potential victims based on short voice samples. This finding underscores how the voice can convey subtle signals that reveal underlying vulnerability.

Prevention and Intervention

Understanding the biological and behavioral mechanisms underlying relational trauma is crucial to developing effective interventions. Early prevention, focused on supporting children and families, is crucial to breaking the cycle of violence. In addition, specific therapeutic interventions can help people overcome the consequences of trauma and rebuild a healthier life.

Elisa Monti

Dr. Elisa Monti holds a PhD in cognitive, social, and developmental psychology from the New School for Social Research. She specializes in the relationship between psychological trauma and voice. Her mission is to contribute to expanding our understanding of this relationship.

To better understand how traumatic experiences can influence the perception of vulnerability, a study was conducted involving two groups of listeners recruited online. Both groups consisted of men at least 18 years old (following a method similar to that used by Wheeler and colleagues in 2009).

• Group 1 (N=105): Listeners listened to short spontaneous speeches about their journey to the lab.
• Group 2 (N=109): Listeners listened to a specific sentence, the second part of the “rainbow passage”: “The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors.”

In both cases, listeners had to assess the vulnerability of 18 people, 9 of whom had a history of sexual or physical abuse and 9 were a control group.

Results: The study results showed that individuals with more pronounced psychopathic traits and a personal history of aggression were more accurate in identifying potential victims of violence among the listened-to recordings.

Implications: These findings suggest that personal experiences and specific personality traits can influence our ability to perceive signals of vulnerability in others. Furthermore, they confirm the importance of considering the role of violence in the victim-perpetrator dynamic.

Conclusions: Trauma and violence leave deep marks not only psychologically but also behaviorally, increasing the risk of further episodes of violence. To counter this spiral, early intervention is essential, promoting self-regulation and the active involvement of individuals. Prevention, especially in childhood, is crucial to prevent trauma from leaving indelible scars.

Relational trauma is a complex problem with profound biological and social implications. Research in this field offers us new tools to understand the dynamics of violence and to develop more effective interventions. It is crucial to continue investing in research and prevention to build safer and more inclusive societies.

The Italian Association of Psychology and Criminology is deeply grateful to all those who made the realization of the international workshop “Relational Traumas and Violent Relationships” possible. Special thanks to Spazio Europa and the Questura di Roma for their support. Thanks to all the participants, volunteers, and psychology interns of the Italian Association of Psychology and Criminology, this event represented an important moment of discussion and professional growth. We hope that the results of this workshop will contribute to improving the understanding and prevention of relational traumas and violent relationships.

Bibliographic References and Recommended Content

A.I.P.C. Publications

Books:

• Lattanzi, M. (2003). Stalking, il lato oscuro delle relazioni interpersonali.
• Lattanzi, M., & Calzone, T. (2013). Distacco, separazione, abbandono. AIPC Editore. (Available in e-book and audiobook format)

Publications/Ebooks:

• AA.VV. (2024). Sedie Bianche: Un’esperienza di formazione esperienziale. AIPC Editore. (in publication, presentation scheduled for 2025)
• AIPC Editore. (2024). Sintesi Webinar AIPC “L’algoritmo della violenza”.
• AIPC Editore. (2024). Sintesi conferenza AIPC 19 gennaio 2024. Le relazioni interpersonali: dalla genesi alla nemesi.
• AIPC Editore. (2023). Webinar AIPC gratuito “La Scienza della Violenza: dall’anamnesi al trattamento”.
• AA.VV. (2021). Dissociazione, memorie traumatiche e somatizzazione nel DBP (prima parte). AIPC EDITORE.
• AA.VV. (2021). Dissociazione, memorie traumatiche e somatizzazione nel DBP (seconda parte). AIPC EDITORE.
• AA.VV. (2021). I traumi infantili: parte seconda – trauma during childhood: second parte. AIPC EDITORE.

Series of Psychological and Forensic Sciences:

The series, directed by Dr. Massimo Lattanzi, includes numerous ebooks published between 2021 and 2024 on topics such as relational trauma, domestic violence, psychopathy, social media addiction, forensic neuroscience, and family crimes.

Articles:

• Battaglia, S. et al. (2024). ‘Nip it in the bud’: Low-frequency rTMS of the prefrontal cortex disrupts threat memory consolidation in humans. Behaviour Research and Therapy.
• Lattanzi, M., Calzone, T., & Staff AIPC. (2023). Stress e percezione di sicurezza.
• Lattanzi, M., Calzone, T., & Staff AIPC. (2023). Mindfulness e aggressività reattiva (prima parte).
• Lattanzi, M., Calzone, T., & Staff AIPC. (2023). Mindfulness e aggressività reattiva (seconda parte).

Periodicals:

• CriminalMente: Bimonthly journal of psychological and forensic sciences, criminology, and security. Publication started in 2007.

Research:

• National Research on Stalking (2002): In collaboration with the COlSP Police Union, coordinated by Dr. Massimo Lattanzi.
• Research on stalking at the Faculty of the University of Rome La Sapienza (2009).
• “Famiglie senza Gabbia” (2016): Research intervention project funded by the Lazio Region, focused on the prevention and treatment of violent relationships.
• “La VIOLENZA di genere che NON DEGENERA” (2018-2019): Project winner of the Call for Proposals of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Department for Equal Opportunities, Line C – Treatment programs for male abusers.
• Multidisciplinary study on emotional dysregulation with psychophysiological interventions and pet therapy (2024-2025): In collaboration with Hakuna Matata, with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of A.A.T. in the emotional regulation of young women.

Other Resources:

• Coercion Related to Mental Health and Substance Use in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence: a Toolkit for Screening, Assessment, and Brief Counseling in Primary Care and Behavioral Health Settings, Carole Warshaw, MD, and Erin Tinnon, MSW, LSW, March 2018
• MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE WRSHAW & ZAPATA-ALMA, 2020, https://ncdvtmh.org/resource/mental-health-treatment-in-the-context-of-intimate-partner-violence/
• ONLINE REPOSITORY OF IPV-SPECIFIC TRAUMA INTERVENTIONS, https://ncdvtmh.org/toolkit/ncdvtmh-online-repository-of-trauma-focused-interventions-for-survivors-of-intimate-partner-violence/
• Mental Health Coercion Palm Card For Practitioners Available In English, Spanish, French, Korean, Urdu, And Arabic (More Coming Soon), https://ncdvtmh.org/toolkit/mental-health-coercion-palm-cards-for-practitioners/
• MENTAL HEALTH COERCION PALM CARD FOR ADVOCATES (MORE LANGUAGES COMING SOON)
• Tools for Transformation: Becoming Accessible, Culturally Responsive, and Trauma- Informed Organizations, An Organizational Reflection Toolkit, Creole Warshaw, MD, Erin Tinnon, MSW, LSW, and Cathy Cave, April 2018
• Tools for Transformation: Becoming Accessible, Culturally Responsive, and Trauma- Informed Organizations, Implementations Support Guides for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs – Guide 1, The Social, Emotional, and Relational Climate and Organizational Trauma, Cathy Cave
• Tools for Transformation: Becoming Accessible, Culturally Responsive, and Trauma- Informed Organizations, Implementations Support Guides for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs – Guide 2. Supporting Change Leadership, Cathy Cave
• Gabriela A. Zapata, LCSW, CADC Guide For Engaging & Supporting Parents Affected by Domestic Violence – Enhancing Parenting Capacity & Strengthening Parent-Child Bonds, written by Susan Blumenfeld, MSW, LCSW, National Centre on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health
• Dialogical Self Theory: Positioning and Counter-Positioning in a Globalizing Society, Agnieszka Hermans-Konopka, Hubert J. M. Hermans, 2006
• Terapia dei sistemi familiari interni, by Richard C. Schwartz (Author), Martha Sweezy (Author), Matteo Selvini (Editor), Raffaello Cortina Editore, 2023

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