Family Violence and Abuse

In this course, students will examine violence and abuse through various theoretical perspectives and explore the role of the self-reflective and ethical practitioner in appropriately engaging those affected.

Course Content

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

• Abuse occurs in the context of family, community, and culture.
• Abuse takes on various forms (i.e., physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect).
• The concepts of childhood and abuse are social constructions and are embedded within cultural contexts.  The evolution of childhood as a social construct informs our understanding of the rights of children.
• Violence and abuse are reflections of unequal distribution of power within society and necessitate an understanding of vulnerability and protective factors.  This understanding guides our work as trauma-informed practitioners and our interaction with agencies and governmental systems.
• A history of victimization can be a factor in developing a pattern of victimizing others.
• Practitioner self-care is an essential component to ethical and relevant practice.  

Methods of Instruction

• Lecture
• Group discussion and exercises
• Student presentations
• Blackboard

Means of Assessment

This course will conform to Douglas College policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations.

Typical means of evaluation will include a combination of written research assignments, journals, class presentations, exams and class participation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Connect the roles of history, culture, and society in the conceptualization of violence and abuse.
2. Discuss the impact of violence and abuse on youth, families, and communities through multiple theoretical perspectives.
3. Identify and explain the various types of child abuse and family violence and their potential impacts on those affected.
4. Explain how to appropriately engage those affected by violence and identify appropriate services and resources for youth and families who have experienced violence.
5. Apply self-reflective practices to their learning on family violence and abuse.  

YJWD 1220 or CYCC 1220

Below shows how this course and its credits transfer within the BC transfer system. 

A course is considered university-transferable (UT) if it transfers to at least one of the five research universities in British Columbia: University of British Columbia; University of British Columbia-Okanagan; Simon Fraser University; University of Victoria; and the University of Northern British Columbia.

For more information on transfer visit the BC Transfer Guide and BCCAT websites.

If your course prerequisites indicate that you need an assessment, please see our Assessment page for more information.