SOWK 3525 - Violence in Families

3 hours

This course emphasizes increasing students’ sensitivity towards violence in “families,” broadly defined to include any intimate relationship. The extent, risk factors, and traumatic effects of this issue are explored by applying theoretical perspectives to facilitate understanding and to differentiate between various forms of violence. Recognition of the importance of violence as shaped by the social location of vulnerable and oppressed groups is also examined. A trauma-informed approach is used to address the consequences of survivors’ experience with multiple forms of trauma often leading to health and mental health concerns. Societal responses such as prevention and treatment models for recovery are assessed. Students will critically examine their own responsibility for addressing this grave issue and strategies for change.

Prerequisite(s): None.