High-conflict separations and intimate partner violence: A document-based case study from a Family Counselling Centre in Northeastern Italy

The phenomenon of separation in Italy is increasingly marked by rising level of conflict that, in many cases, escalate into high-conflict situations or even domestic violence. In such cases, the role of the Family Counselling Centre proves to be crucial, as a local public service dedicated to the protection and well-being of women and children. This research therefore aimed to explore whether the Family Counselling Centre is capable of identifying complex situations, activating appropriate integrated care pathways, and promoting the protection of women and children in critical family contexts. Through a qualitative document analysis was conducted on 311 case files managed between 2020 and 2023 by a Family Counselling Centre in Northeastern Italy. Within this broader group, 26 cases (8.4%) were classified as high-conflict situations. For these cases, the study examined the sociodemographic characteristics of the victims, the forms of violence experienced, the access pathway to service, the interventions implemented, and the outcomes of case management. Findings show that physical violence was reported in 85% of cases, and psychological or verbal violence in more than half. In 80% of cases, contact with the service originated from Court orders, while spontaneous access by women accounted less than 20%. Case outcomes were heterogeneous: in about one-third of cases, conflict levels were reduced, and family autonomy was restored; in another third, protective custody or suspended visits were required to safeguard children; the remaining cases required long-term monitoring or further Court intervention. The Family Counselling Centre demonstrates its ability to effectively differentiate between symmetrical conflict and intimate partner violence, activating diversified pathway aimed at ensuring comprehensive protection for the women and children involved and preventing institutional re-victimization. However, it becomes essential to strengthen its institutional recognition and to develop inter-service protocols capable of ensuring more timely, coordinated, and continuous interventions.