Webinar – Why is it so difficult to leave (or repeat) harmful relationships?

What can participants expect?

This webinar will introduce pathological affective dependence (PAD) as a shared psychological vulnerability that can underlie both victimization and perpetration in intimate partner violence. While the behavioral outcomes differ, both victims and perpetrators may be driven by similar underlying relational needs and difficulties.

Erica will will present the theoretical model of PAD, its assessment, and how it can help us better understand different trajectories within violent relationships. Finally, she will briefly introduce an intervention targeting these mechanisms.

About the presenter

Erica Pugliese is a clinical psychologist and researcher at the University of Amsterdam. Her work focuses on pathological affective dependence (PAD) as a shared vulnerability in both victimization and perpetration within intimate partner violence.

She is the author of Gevangen in een gewelddadige relatie (Uitgeverij Nieuwezijds), addressing the theory, assessment, and treatment of PAD.

What will participants learn?

Participants will:

• understand PAD as a shared vulnerability underlying both victimization and perpetration
• distinguish between different behavioral expressions (e.g., submission vs control/aggression)
• gain insight into relational and developmental mechanisms involved in IPV
• learn how PAD can be assessed in forensic and clinical settings
• be introduced to a mechanism-based intervention approach

📅 Date: Tuesday, June 23th 2026
⏰ Time: 19.30-20.45 uur
📍 Location: Online
💰 Costs: Free for NIP members* / €25 incl. VAT for non-member (cancellation policy)
*Please make sure to register using the email address linked to your NIP membership.

⏪On-demand viewing: NIP-members can watch the webinar on demand after the event via  NIP webinars