*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 deprives the partner financially, someone who prevents a partner from speaking with family or friends, or someone who threatens with intimidating remarks to scare and control the partner. It can also depict a person who reads all the incoming mail and email, who monitors all phone calls and follows the partner to appointments and meetings.
2. The Statistics on Domestic Abuse in the U.S. are staggering.
Domestic Violence is a serious threat to women. Women are generally on the receiving end of domestic violence. 85% of domestic violence victims are women. Women between the ages of 20 -24 are at the greatest risk of non-fatal violence. Approximately 1.3 million women are physically assaulted by intimate partners each year. Each day in America approximately 3 women are murdered by boyfriends or spouses. Studies show that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence each year.
3. Do statistics change based on level of wealth?
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 who make over $50,000 per year. Individuals with lower income levels are more likely to report a domestic assault. Statistics also show that residents of urban areas reported higher levels of domestic abuse than in suburban areas. Furthermore, African-American women face more cases of domestic violence than white women, and American-Indian women are victimized at a rate more than double that of women of other races. Unfortunately, only about 50% of domestic violence incidents are reported.
4. What is the impact of domestic abuse on children?
Studies estimate that 3 to 10 million children witness the abuse of a loved one each year. 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 in this environment tend to have higher levels of aggression, disobedience, 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
Palo Alto California class for my own growth and self-improvement?
The purpose of the class is to educate the client about issues related to domestic assault with the goal of eliminating the violence 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. People who have taken the course report that they learned how to take ownership of their behavior and change their lives for the better.
6. The court has mandated that I take a Domestic Violence class. Where should I start?
We offer many online options for completing your domestic violence requirement. We understand and cater to clients who find it difficult to attend a set time for a classroom course. This online class is designed with the same information found in a traditional classroom, but is available to you from any Internet based computer at the library, home or work.
7. Which online class should I choose?
There are many people who claim to be authorities. Be sure to choose a class designed by a Certified Anger Management therapist. Look for someone like Dr. Ari Novick who has expertise in the field of anger and stress management since these are topics directly involved with domestic abuse. 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 this expertise to offer quality education and training to 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. It’s the client’s responsibility to speak with their court system to get approval prior to taking the class. Taking a few minutes to ask for court approval will save you the stress of travel time, missing work and dollars spent on gas and parking.
9. Is there a real person I can speak with if I have questions?
We welcome any questions, comments or concerns. 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. How long do I have to finish the class?
Our classes are taken completely at your own pace. You can log-on and off as often as you would like and the computer holds your spot. We don’t mandate an end time. The deadline is based on your schedule and court requirements. For example, you can sit down and get the 8 hour class done in one day, or break it up over 2 weekends.
11. Will anyone besides myself find out I am taking this class?
Taking this class is a completely private situation. Online classes give you the ability to avoid a classroom full of people. The only people who need to know are your attorneys and the court system. You will never receive any unsolicited phone calls from the AJ Novick Group. Our state of the art online security system protects all your personal identification information.
