SOCW 103 - Family Violence Across the Lifespan

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course is designed to give students an overview of theory and current research in the area of family violence. Topics to be covered include physical and sexual abuse of children, child neglect, sibling abuse, spousal abuse, rape, elder abuse, abuse in gay and lesbian communities, and abuse of people with disabilities. In addition, this course will examine how social service systems, including social work, education, medical professionals, and the criminal justice system are working to reduce the effects of the problem of family violence in our society.

Text
Hines, Denise A., et al. Family Violence in the United States: Defining, Understanding and Combating Abuse. 3rd. ed., SAGE, 2021. Print. 

Domestic Violence Awareness: Action for Social Change. Web. <http://www.vanet.org>. 

Objectives
The student will be able to 

A. Discuss the historical evolution of family violence, current theoretical perspectives and current research on the prevention and treatment of family violence. 

B. Identify risk and identification factors important to following legal protocols when reporting maltreatment. 

C. Identify the importance of education and training for various groups of  

professionals who may be key individuals in the identification and treatment of family violence. 

D. Discuss the impact of economic and social justice issues in the identification and  

treatment of abuse and neglect. 

E. Discuss the impact of oppression on vulnerability and victimization. 

F. Assess individuals and families for various types of violence. 

G. Utilize social work skills to effectively intervene with diverse populations  

affected by family violence. 

Content
A. Characteristics of family violence 

B. Service and legal professionals’ responses to family violence 

C. Child abuse and neglect 

D. Dating violence 

E. Intimate partner violence 

F. Elder abuse 

Student Evaluation
Evaluation will be based on exams, oral presentations, group assignments, and written assignments. 

Bibliography
Bonomi, A.E., et al. “Association Between Self-Reported Health and Physical and/or Sexual Abuse Experience Before Age 18.” Child Abuse and Neglect 32 (2008): 693-701. 

International Federation of Social Workers and International Association of Schools of Social Work. Ethics in Social Work, Statement of Principles. 2004. IFSW. Web. <http://www.ifsw.org/p38000324.html>. 

Lee, S.J., N. Guterman, and Y. Lee. “Risk Factors for Paternal Physical Abuse.” Child Abuse and Neglect 32 (2008): 846-58. 

Legano, L., M.T. McHigh, and V.J. Palusci. “Child Abuse and Neglect.” Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care 9 (2009): 33-9. 

Leisey, L., P. Kupstus, and A. Cooper. “Domestic Violence in the Second Half of Life.”  Elder Abuse and Neglect 21 (2009): 145-55. 

Meyers, J.E.B., et al. The APSAC Handbook on Child Maltreatment. 2nd ed.  Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2005. 

National Association of Social Work. NASW Code of Ethics. Silver Springs: NASW, 2008. NASW. Web. <http://www.socialworkers.org>. 

Wallace, H. Family Violence: Legal Medical, and Social Perspectives. 5th ed. Boston: Allyn, 2008.