Role of the identified patient in family systems

This text takes a historical look at the family as a system questioning it in its different paradigms. Starting from the general theory of systems it conceptualises the identified patient and his or her place in the family system. This is followed by an analysis of the professional opinion of systemic family therapists working on violence issues which is compiled by means of an interview. Finally the author concludes on the role of the identified patient in family systems experiencing violence.