Family Violence Issues

Introduction to current theories, research and practice in family violence issues. Topics will include: themes of violence; dynamics of violence; gender relations; attitudes, myths, and realities surrounding family violence; public versus private nature of family violence. Research from various perspectives will be evaluated. 

Provides a historical and current overview of the societal catalysts/contributors to, and the patterns of, family violence. Explores why members of marginalized groups (e.g., the poor, women, children, immigrants, First Nations persons, gays, lesbians, disabled and the elderly) are often at especially high risk of being victimized by violence in intimate relationships. 

An examination of the social origins of family violence. Topics include: militarism; pornography; sports; media; hierarchical workplaces; schools; patriarchy; racism; heterosexism; contributions of government and the criminal justice system. A critical analysis of the part played by social institutions and policy in accommodating family violence.

This is an introduction to the issues of family violence, child maltreatment, experiences of the children and impact of exposure on children. The course also reviews the various roles and responses of agencies from within the community of child maltreatment within the context of family violence. It will explore the problem of family violence across the lifespan, focusing on the child abuse/neglect, intimate partner violence, and the various responses of agencies from within the community. Finally, it will look at the link between child abuse and neglect and the role of prevention. 

An examination of the psychological and social dynamics of abuse, and the consequences of these dynamics for the ways in which survivors present themselves to members of helping professions, e.g., health care workers, employers, educators, lawyers, clergy, social workers, therapists, alcohol and drug workers. Review of the necessity for and characteristics of a 'whole person' approach to survivor assessment. 

Overview of strategies essential to crisis counselling and other forms of counselling that are relevant to family violence. Topics include: the impact of violence on family members; methods of effective assessment and crisis intervention; homicide/suicide prevention; counselling orientation and models; individual, family and group approaches to counselling; ethical considerations; counselling children and teens; responding to 'hidden victims'; and making appropriate referrals. The crisis counselling section will include a skill development component. 

Identification of common signs and symptoms of abuse. Methods of assessment. Provision of a safe environment. Reporting, referring, and follow-up care. Topics include: techniques for specific situations (e.g. women, children, the elderly); conflict resolution; safety; requirements for use as evidence in justice system; responsibilities of professional workers; cognitive interviewing; audio and video taping of witnesses and survivors; liability; confidentiality. 

An overview of: family violence legal issues pertaining to: (a) family law - e.g., custody; access; mediation; supervised visitation; requirements to report abuse; legal aid; peace bonds; police protection; enforcement of family court orders; separation and divorce; (b) the criminal justice system - e.g., implications of criminalization of abuse; role of police; mandatory charging; informing spouse about release of abuser; process through justice system of survivor; witness impact statements; role of probation officer; probation period. 

This course examines issues pertaining to violence in religious families and the role of faith communities (and their leaders) in responding to violence in the family context. It will consider relevant data, theories, and strategies for change. Normally taught online. 

This course examines the global issue of violence against women from international and feminist perspectives. This course will examine some of the many forms of gender violence in our global world, the cultural, economic, social and political contexts in which they occur, and reflect on the causes and consequences of gender violence and women's inequality for women, children, and the whole communities women and girls and advocating for gender equality and social justice as well as other international, community and organized responses to women's suffering. This course will also critically reflect on how including structures of gender, race and sexuality and colonialism and imperialism.

Issues related to burnout and stress management for service-providers, their co-workers, and their clients. A critical overview of the human, social, and economic costs of the erosion of the social safety net. Strategies for stress management, coping with burnout, and societal-level reforms.

Presents strategies which will assist professionals in coordinating their efforts to help survivors through creation of 'whole person' community approaches. Topics include: helping agencies' diverse and overlapping mandates; referral processes; inter-agency communication; support and debriefing; team dynamics; community resources; interface with policy makers. This course is required for the FVI Certificate. 

An individualized study of a topic of interest to the student, in consultation with instructor/mentor and approval of the Director of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research.

An individualized study of a topic of interest to the student, in consultation with instructor/mentor and approval of the Director of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research.