What Will You Learn?

Domestic violence is often overlooked because it is largely invisible - played out behind closed doors, a social taboo that is rarely talked about. This needs to stop and awareness, education and intervention at the earliest stages, are the most effective way to tackle the problem. This course will give you a clear understanding of what domestic violence and abuse are, who is most at risk, and how to help both adult and child victims.

The first hurdle to tackle with domestic abuse and violence is understanding what they are. The course takes this head-on, explaining from the start what constitutes domestic violence and abuse, who is most at risk, the different types of domestic abuse, and how women from different cultural backgrounds may be impacted differently by domestic violence. You’ll also gain insight into stalking and cyberstalking

“Why Do You Stay?” – the question that society asks victims of domestic abuse, and which this course hopes to answer, by looking at the elements prevalent in most domestic abuse relationships and the components of power and control. You’ll learn about the cycle of abuse and gain a greater comprehension of the complex reasons some stay in abusive relationships.

You’ll explore the reasons why some people have tendencies towards being abusive and violent to their loved ones and the common behaviours that may indicate this in an individual. The Domestic Abuse & Violence Awareness Diploma Course also highlights the issue of dating abuse, which is another form of domestic abuse endured by many young adults and teenagers.

From here the course considers the physical, mental and emotional impact that domestic abuse and violence have on victims. You’ll look at the barriers and unique challenges that some abuse sufferers face, the long-lasting repercussions, how financial abusers manage to continue wielding control over their victims even after separation, and the impact domestic abuse can have on society, both from a social and a financial perspective.

Whether they are the direct target of domestic abuse or not, the effects of domestic abuse on children are devastating. You’ll learn about the different types of abuse a child may experience and what indicators to look out for, along with identifying the long-term physical and mental health effects abuse has on children at different stages of their development. You’ll also gain an understanding of how children learn and exhibit negative behaviours as a result of their lived experience.

Through studying the Domestic Abuse & Violence Awareness Diploma Course, you’ll learn not just how to recognise and understand domestic abuse and violence, but be given the tools to aid its victims. You’ll explore interventions, learn how to offer support to a child or young adult, and examine the underlying factors that can help children to build resilience and cope with the facts of their abuse.

Similarly, you’ll discover the tools to help adults you suspect are being subjected to domestic violence and advice on how to recognise the signs and approach somebody with sensitivity and in confidence. You’ll develop a detailed knowledge of what a safety/crisis plan is and what needs to be included in it and the components included in a post-separation safety plan.

If you wish to work with victims of domestic abuse and violence, the course introduces you to the vacancies available in the voluntary sector, and the tasks that are likely to be undertaken by a volunteer. It also looks at paid positions, guiding you through the roles of an independent domestic violence advisor, a victim liaison officer and a support worker in a safe house or refuge.

You’ll also learn about the work of MARACs, including their aims and processes and why they are an important part of the solution to the UK’s domestic abuse problem.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain what domestic violence and abuse is and identify who is at risk.
• Be aware of the most common components of abuse and be able to describe the cycle of abuse.
• Have an awareness of how domestic violence begins and who may perpetuate the abuse.
• Describe the physical, psychological and emotional effects of domestic abuse and violence on adults, young people and children at risk.
• Recognise common behaviours that may indicate abusive tendencies in an individual.
• Know how to respond appropriately to children and young people experiencing domestic abuse.
• Describe best practices for supporting those experiencing domestic violence.
• Know what MARAC is and be able to outline the MARAC Process.
• Understand what may be expected of you should you volunteer in the field of domestic abuse support.
• Be aware of some of the jobs available, should you want to embark on a career in this field.