Public comments are useful for readers of the post who may be experiencing something similar themselves but are too afraid to post - it provides resources to those individuals and reminds them they aren't alone. That's my intent with that! I've received messages from readers who found them beneficial in that way. If they ever cease to be helpful, I'll adjust accordingly!

To your last point - I mean, maybe? But to be honest, medical professionals aren't domestic violence workers. Unfortunately, at least where I live, there is a huge disconnect between clinicians and advocates, such as clinicians having little to no training in DV, no knowledge of referral resources, and causing unintentional escalation of abuse by encouraging couples counseling for victims and abusers.

Clinicians who aren't trained in DV dynamics wouldn't be able to create an accurate assessment of an abusive relationship. DV advocates would.

But - I appreciate you sparking this discussion. It really is useful to me. Thank you so much!