Understanding Domestic Abuse

Do you work with the public? Do you understand the nuances of domestic abuse and how best to respond to victim-survivors in your (non-specialist) role?

This course is designed for people who work in public-facing roles, to provide an understanding of what domestic abuse is and what is experienced by victim-survivors.

It will also introduce diversity and intersectionality in relation to domestic abuse, effects on children, and factors regarding seeking help.

The course will also cover different responses to DA by statutory and specialist domestic abuse organisations, and explore how you should respond to a disclosure in your workplace.

Learning and teaching

On successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

• Understand what domestic abuse is, and the different abuses which can be experienced within it.
• Understand how these experiences can be affected by diversity and intersectionalities
• Understand the effects on children
• Understand how to appropriately respond to disclosures from victim-survivors in the workplace, and what responses can be provided by other organisations.

Coursework and assessment

Type of assessment	% Contribution	Title
Reflection Piece – 1000 words	100	Pick the content of one of the classes from this course (for example, session 2 on abuse types, or session 8 on safeguarding). Reflect on how you will implement this knowledge into your role. Different reflective formats can be used, however, it is recommended that you structure your response under the following headings: - What? – What was the content of the class? - So What? – Why does the content matter, especially in relation to your role? - Now what? – What will you do differently now you have understanding of the class content? As this is an academic piece, make sure that referencing is used.

Reading suggestions

• Buzawa, E.S., Buzawa, C.G. and Stark, E.D., 2015. Responding to domestic violence: The integration of criminal justice and human services. Sage Publications.
• Robinson, A. 2010. Domestic Violence. In: Brookman, F., Maguire, M., Pierpoint, H. and Bennett, T. (eds) 2010. Handbook on Crime. London:Routledge.

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.