We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Understanding Domestic Violence

Robyn Westgate and Donna Chung

This course has been developed to provide learners with a better understanding of the diverse experience of domestic violence and abuse, and the impact that this can have on the victims, their families, and the wider community.

We aim to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to work in the fields of domestic and family violence, intimate partner violence, and gendered violence against women.

What you'll learn

After completing this course, you will:

Recognise what family and domestic violence (FDV) is
Identify the risk indicators of FDV
Learn about abusive patterns of behaviour, including coercive control, gaslighting, and techology as tools of abuse
Understand the impact of FDV on victims, particularly those in minority groups
Learn about FDV and the law, including intimate partner homicide
Develop an awareness of the prevalence and costs of FDV on survivors, families, and society.

Enroll now

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers the diverse experience of domestic violence and abuse, which is essential knowledge for professionals in the field

Develops knowledge and skills for working in the fields of domestic and family violence, intimate partner violence, and gendered violence against women, which is highly relevant for professionals in these areas

Taught by instructors Robyn Westgate and Donna Chung, who are recognized for their work in domestic violence and abuse

Provides an understanding of the impact of domestic violence and abuse on victims, their families, and the wider community, which is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems

Examines the prevalence and costs of domestic violence and abuse on survivors, families, and society, which highlights the importance of addressing this issue

Requires learners to come in with some background knowledge in the field

Save this course

Save Understanding Domestic Violence to your list so you can find it easily later:

Save

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Understanding Domestic Violence. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Domestic Violence will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Domestic Violence Advocate

Domestic Violence Advocates provide support and assistance to victims of domestic violence. They may work in shelters, crisis hotlines, or legal aid organizations. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Domestic Violence Advocate. You will learn about the different types of domestic violence, the legal rights of victims, and how to provide support and resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Domestic Violence Advocate

Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate problems that are rooted in societal structures and interpersonal relationships. They may work with victims of domestic violence to provide counseling, support, and resources. This course can prepare you for this role by helping you understand the dynamics of domestic violence and the impact it has on victims. You will learn about risk indicators, patterns of abuse, and the legal implications of domestic violence. This knowledge will be essential for effectively supporting victims and helping them rebuild their lives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Therapist

Therapists provide counseling and support to individuals and families who are struggling with mental health issues or life challenges. They may work with victims of domestic violence to help them process trauma, develop coping mechanisms, and build resilience. This course can provide you with a strong foundation for this role by helping you understand the psychological impact of domestic violence. You will learn about common symptoms, treatment approaches, and ethical considerations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Therapist

Counselor

Counselors provide guidance and support to individuals and families who are facing challenges. They may work with victims of domestic violence to help them cope with the emotional and practical challenges they face. This course can prepare you for this role by helping you understand the dynamics of domestic violence and the impact it has on victims. You will learn about risk indicators, patterns of abuse, and resources available to victims.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

Case Manager

Case Managers work with individuals and families to help them access resources and services. They may work with victims of domestic violence to help them find housing, financial assistance, and legal aid. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Case Manager. You will learn about the different types of resources available to victims of domestic violence, how to assess their needs, and how to develop a plan to help them achieve their goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Case Manager

Community Educator

Community Educators raise awareness about important issues and provide information about how to get help. They may work with victims of domestic violence to educate them about their rights, the resources available to them, and how to stay safe. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Community Educator. You will learn about the different types of domestic violence, the impact it has on victims, and how to work with victims to help them get the help they need.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Educator

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze policies and programs to identify their impact. They may work with victims of domestic violence to advocate for policies that protect victims and hold abusers accountable. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Policy Analyst. You will learn about the different types of domestic violence, the impact it has on victims, and how to develop and advocate for policies that can help prevent and end domestic violence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Researcher

Researchers conduct studies to collect and analyze data about important issues. They may work with victims of domestic violence to study the causes and consequences of domestic violence, and to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Researcher. You will learn about the different types of domestic violence, the impact it has on victims, and how to design and conduct research studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Advocate

Advocates work to protect the rights of individuals and groups. They may work with victims of domestic violence to advocate for their rights in court, in the workplace, and in the community. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Advocate. You will learn about the different types of domestic violence, the legal rights of victims, and how to advocate for their rights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Advocate

Educator

Educators teach students about important topics. They may work with victims of domestic violence to teach them about their rights, the resources available to them, and how to stay safe. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Educator. You will learn about the different types of domestic violence, the impact it has on victims, and how to teach others about this important issue.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educator

Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and report on news stories. They may work with victims of domestic violence to tell their stories and raise awareness about this important issue. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Journalist. You will learn about the different types of domestic violence, the impact it has on victims, and how to write and report on this issue in a responsible and sensitive way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They may work with victims of domestic violence to provide them with services and support. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Nonprofit Manager. You will learn about the different types of domestic violence, the impact it has on victims, and how to manage a nonprofit organization that provides services to victims of domestic violence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Healthcare Professional

Healthcare Professionals provide medical care to patients. They may work with victims of domestic violence to provide them with medical care and support. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Healthcare Professional. You will learn about the different types of domestic violence, the impact it has on victims, and how to provide medical care to victims of domestic violence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Professional

Law Enforcement Officer

Law Enforcement Officers enforce the law and protect the public. They may work with victims of domestic violence to investigate crimes and arrest abusers. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Law Enforcement Officer. You will learn about the different types of domestic violence, the legal rights of victims, and how to investigate domestic violence crimes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Law Enforcement Officer

Corrections Officer

Corrections Officers supervise and care for inmates in jails and prisons. They may work with victims of domestic violence who have been incarcerated for crimes related to domestic violence. This course can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Corrections Officer. You will learn about the different types of domestic violence, the impact it has on victims, and how to work with victims of domestic violence who are incarcerated.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corrections Officer

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Understanding Domestic Violence.

Introduction to Forensic Psychology