Methodological and Ethical Considerations When Working Beyond the Victim-Offender Binary: A Brief Report on the Unintended Consequences of the C-ABI

Abstract

This Brief Report introduces the Contextual Abusive Behavior Inventory (C-ABI) — an assessment tool developed for antiviolence programs for women. After nearly 20 years use in the U.S., the C-ABI was implemented as part of a new antiviolence program for women in Australia. This was a community-based group work and case management program for women brought to court and child protective services attention for having used force in their relationships. Most women attending the program also disclosed extensive domestic and sexual violence survivorship histories. Thus, their experiences exist beyond being “victims” or “offenders.” The authors discuss methodological and ethical issues that arose du..