Domestic violence is a critical issue in every race, religion, culture, and class-level of our society. One in every four women in the U.S. is physically abused by her partner at some point in her life. However, men, children and the elderly also experience domestic abuse. The main issue regarding domestic violence is power and control. The perpetrator threatens his spouse, children, or parents with hitting, slapping or shoving. Or, he tries to exert control by isolating them from friends and family, making embarrassing and insulting remarks, or not allowing financial access. Abusers can often act loving and attentive while in public, but the violence takes places behind the scenes.
If you are in an intimate relationship and your partner has physically or emotionally threatened you, there’s a good chance he’s trying to control you and it will only get worse if you don’t do something about it. Over the last decade, the government has really tried to make a commitment to stopping abuse with increased awareness and legal action. However, it is up the abused to reach out for police assistance. Call 911 and tell them who you are and that you are in danger. Chances are that if you let it go and stay in the relationship, the abuse will return. If you feel you are in danger, you can request an emergency protective order, which is generally enforced for the first 5 days after the assault. If the situation is more severe, a judge can be convinced to issue a restraining order for up to 3 years.
The perpetrator on the other hand can expect to be taken into custody. An arraignment in front of a judge will follow in the next couple of days. Sentencing can include jail time, probation, fines, restitution to the victim and a mandatory treatment program. A domestic violence class is mandated so the abuser does not only face legal consequences but has the ability to learn how to change his abusive patterns to improve future relationships.
If you have been mandated by the court to take a domestic violence treatment class, ask your judge for approval to take the course online. Online classes are becoming very popular because they enable the client to take them at their own convenience so they don’t have to miss work or school. Be sure to choose a high quality course that is designed by a psychotherapist and specialist in the field for your court’s approval. Classes can be taken from any web-based computer at any time of the day or night. Participants learn where the abuse is stemming from, exactly what is considered abusive behavior and how to stop the cycle. The perpetrator is taught empathy and emotional sensitivity towards others, how to better manage his stress and how to effectively communicate with partners without trying to control them. The goal is that individuals enrolled in the class will learn how stop the behavior and create a happier, safer life for their family and themselves.
Online classes are also helpful because they can often be finished more quickly than a traditional in-person class that meets once a week over 12 weeks. The client can sit down and take a 12-hour domestic violence class over one weekend if they so choose. At the end of the course, a final exam is issued. With a 70% score or better, the client receives a certificate of completion that officially proves the course was successfully taken. Online domestic violence classes are an interesting, convenient and educational way to learn in the privacy of your own home.
