Upon successful completion of this course the learner will be able to:

1. Explain the prevalence of domestic violence.
2. Explain the definition of domestic violence.
3. Distinguish between the six types of domestic violence.
4. Discuss the dynamics of the violent relationship.
5. Demonstrate the cycle of violence.
6. Discuss how health care professionals can recognize the signs and screen for domestic violence.
7. Identify special populations and discuss associated risk factors.
8. Discuss the impact of domestic violence.
9. Identify legal and social resources available.

Course Outline:

• Introduction with statistics
• History of Domestic Violence
  • Family history of abusers
  • Gender
  • Those that report
• Myths Regarding Domestic Violence
• Loss of control
• Domestic Violence doesn’t affect many people
• Domestic Violence is only physical
• Domestic abuse is only a momentary loss of temper
  • Domestic violence only happens in poor families. 
  • Domestic violence is just an occasional slap or punch that is not serious. 
  • Drinking or drug abuse causes domestic violence.
  • If the abuser is truly sorry and promises to reform, the abuse will stop
  • The victim can always walk away from the relationship
  • If the violent episodes do not happen that often, the situation is not that serious
  • Victims have the types of personalities that seek out and encourage abuse
• Legal Considerations
• Types of Violence
  • Physical battering
  • Psychological or emotional abuse
  • Sexual violence
  • Intimidation
  • Parallel violence
  • Economic abuse
• Symptoms of Abuse/Violence
  • Emotional Abuse
  • Economic Abuse
  • Coercion and Threats
  • Intimidation
  • Using Children
  • Abusing Privileges
• Dynamics of Domestic Violence Relationships
• Cycle of Violence
  • Phase one
  • Phase two
  • Phase three
• Characteristics of Abusers
• Risk Factors for Abuse
• Barriers to Leaving
• Preparing Health Care Professionals to Screen for Domestic Violence
• Battering in Special Populations
• Impact of Domestic Violence
• Legal and Social Resources
• Case Studies
• References