The month of October has been designated Domestic Violence Awareness month to heighten the recognition that Domestic Abuse continues to be a serious problem in our country and world. Every year between 600,000 and 6 million women are victims of domestic abuse. Those between the ages of 20 – 24 are at the greatest risk. However, only 20% of female victims seek help to protect themselves. Many women who are abused are afraid of reporting the aggression because they are afraid of reprisal from their partner, and they are socially embarrassed about the situation.
Domestic Abuse is also known as IPV or Intimate Partner Violence. It describes physical, sexual or mental harm caused by a partner or spouse. It can start as early as the teenage years and children who grow up in this environment are more likely to accept the behavior when they are older.
The goal of Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to discuss the topic more openly, especially with teens, so that they can learn to stop the behavior before it ever takes root. It’s not a pleasant or easy subject to discuss and is easily overlooked, but it’s important that we talk about the subject with our daughters before they start dating so they are aware of the potential and know it should never, ever be accepted even one time.
Education is our strongest resource for breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. If you think, or a loved one is telling you that it’s time to get control of your violent behavior, a good place to start is by taking an online domestic violence course. Course topics include the definition of domestic violence, who is being victimized, recognizing the signs of abuse and most importantly how to get a handle on it and stop the behavior forever. The subjects of empathy, stress management and effective communication are addressed.
Many participants of online domestic violence classes need to take them to fulfill court requirements related to domestic assault. Online classes need to first be approved by your judge or court system. Once they are accepted, they are the most convenient and easy way to learn the material. Online classes can be taken from any web-based computer in your home, office, library or local coffee house. There is no predetermined timeline, so participants can take the classes whenever they have time in their busy schedules, day or the middle of the night. They are also highly beneficial for individuals who want to keep a low profile about the situation. A wealth of information and training is available to you at the touch of a button, in the privacy of your own home, so no one in the community will see the participant entering a public domestic violence class. It is a quiet and anonymous situation, completely unlike the traditional classroom where you might be expected to share your story with a group of strangers.
A Certificate of Completion is issued to the client when the final exam has been successfully passed at the end of the course. This is the document that must be given to the court system to prove that the offender accomplished learning the material presented. Domestic violence is something that no one should have to live with. These classes are one way to learn how to overcome the cycle of violent behavior and establish a safer, happier home environment.
