*Please note that not all states allow for online classes for domestic violence for legal purposes. Please get prior approval to take this class online prior to registering to ensure it will meet your specific requirements1. What is the definition of Domestic Abuse?
Domestic Violence is a pattern of coercive behavior in a marriage or any intimate relationship, when one partner tries to gain control over the other. It can include physical and sexual violence, emotional and verbal abuse, economic control, stalking, destruction of property, isolation and intimidation.
An individual does not necessarily need to be physically aggressive to be considered an abuser, but can be someone who is completely controlling over bank accounts and all money that is spent, someone who purposely isolates the partner from friends and family, or someone who intimidates with disparaging remarks. It also describes an intimate partner who won’t give you personal freedom. He follows you places against your will.
2. The Statistics on Domestic Abuse in the U.S. are staggering.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States. More women than men experience domestic violence. One in every four women will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime. Females who are 20 – 24 years of age have the highest chance of being abused. Approximately 1.3 million women are physically assaulted by intimate partners each year. Everyday on average about three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. Studies show that up to 10 million children observe some form of domestic violence each year.
3. Do parts of the country experience more cases of Domestic Violence than others?
Intimate partner violence affects individuals of all races, ethnicities, and educational backgrounds. However, studies show that people making below $25,000 annually are at a 3-times higher risk of intimate partner violence than people with income over $50,000. People with lower incomes tend to report domestic violence cases¸ while higher income individuals tend to keep the information to themselves. Statistics also show that occupants of urban areas reported more domestic abuse than in suburban areas. Furthermore, African-American women face higher numbers of domestic violence than white women, and American-Indian women are assaulted at a rate more than double that of women of other races. A significant fact is that most cases of domestic violence, regardless of income level, are never reported!
4. I’m worried about the impact of this abuse on our kids.
At least 3 million children per year witness some form of domestic abuse. There are definitely increased risks for children who live with domestic violence in their homes. Risks to these kids include physical and psychological abuse, traumatic stress and overall neglect. Children living in this environment have higher levels of aggression, anger, depression, fear and anxiety. It is important that children are protected from this behavior by either permanent removal from the situation or by having the abuser take DV classes for change and reform.
5. What can I expect to learn from this
Altadena California class for my own growth and self-improvement?
The purpose of the class is to educate the participant about issues related to domestic assault with the goal of eliminating the intimidation and abuse. The program teaches what exactly domestic violence is, how to recognize the signs, how to gain skills in communication and how to develop a plan for change. Individuals who have taken the course have expressed that upon completion, they have a whole new perspective on life and how to approach relationships.
6. I have been accused of Domestic Violence, what now?
We offer many online options for completing your domestic violence requirement. It is often difficult to add one more thing to your busy schedule because of time constraints and travel distances. This online class contains the same information found in traditional classrooms but is available to you from any web-based computer.
7. There are so many online courses to choose from, how do I know which one is the best?
There are many people who claim to be authorities. Be sure to choose a class designed by a practicing, licensed therapist. Look for someone like Dr. Ari Novick who has expertise in the field of anger and stress management as these are factors of domestic violence. Dr. Novick has also been trained in drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention, socialization skills, legal awareness, communication and problem solving techniques, conflict management and resolution, assertion training, and is a certified anger management facilitator and trainer. Dr. Novick has combined all of these skills to create a quality, interesting and educational program for his Domestic Violence Class clients.
8. I can’t find if my jurisdiction will accept the class anywhere on your website. How do I find out?
We have a high rate of acceptance nationally, but we can’t guarantee that every court will approve them. Different counties and states have different laws regarding online classes. Please get prior approval from your court system that they will accept an online class before getting started. Taking a few minutes to ask for court approval will save you money in gas, time for travel, and from the possibility of missing work.
9. What if I pay for and start the class, and then have questions?
We welcome any comments, concerns or inquiries. Dr. Novick is available to directly speak with Monday – Friday, 9-5 PST at (949) 715-2694. Or, please e-mail him at
[email protected] for a response within 24 hours.
10. Is there a deadline to finish the class?
Our classes are meant to be self-paced. You can log-on and off as many times as you wish and the computer holds your spot. We don’t mandate an end time. Many people like to get through it in closely consecutive sessions so they retain the information. For example, you can sit down and get the 8 hour class done in one day, or log-in for a half an hour a day over the period of a few weeks.
11. Who will know I am taking this class?
Taking this course is completely private. Online classes are unlike classrooms in that nobody else sees you are attending. The only people who need to know are your legal advisors and the court system. You will never receive any unsolicited phone calls from the AJ Novick Group. All your log-in and identity information is highly protected with our state of the art online security system.
