*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. How do I know if my behavior is considered Domestic Abuse?
Domestic Violence is the repeated abusive behavior by one person in a relationship to control another. It is not limited to physical assault but can include stalking, isolation, psychological and financial abuse.
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 Abuse causes more injuries to women in the U.S. then car accidents, muggings and rapes combined. Women are generally on the receiving end of domestic violence. Women account for 85% of the victims of domestic abuse, men for about 15%. Females who are 20 – 24 years of age have the highest chance of being abused. An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical abuse by an intimate partner each year. Everyday on average about three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. Studies show that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic abuse 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, research shows that people with annual income below $25,000 are at a 3-times higher risk of intimate partner violence than people who make over $50,000 per year. 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 residents of urban areas reported higher levels of 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.
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. These risks include being physically abused, mentally intimidated, neglected and exposed to violence. 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. Are you ready to take control of your angry behavior? Have family, friends or coworkers complained about your temper?
The purpose of the class is to educate the client about issues related to domestic assault with the goal of stopping the behavior. 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. We cater to individuals who can’t miss work or school to attend 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 experts. Be sure to choose a class designed by a practicing, licensed therapist. Look for someone like Dr. Ari Novick who specializes 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 used these specific skills to design an interesting, informative and high-quality Domestic Violence course.
8. How do I know if my jurisdiction will accept these classes?
While we have a very high success rate for court approval, we don’t guarantee that every jurisdiction will accept 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 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 comments, concerns or inquiries. Dr. Novick is available to directly speak with Monday – Friday, 9-5 PST at (949) 715-2694. Emails to
[email protected] will be returned within 24 hours.
10. How long do I have to finish the class?
Our classes are meant to be self-paced. You can log-in and out as frequently as you desire and the computer holds your spot. We don’t mandate an end time. Your deadline is based on your court requirements and how quickly you would like to get it done. For example, you can sit down and get the 8 hour class done in one day, or take it over a period of weeks.
11. Will anyone besides myself find out I am taking this class?
Taking this course is completely private. Enrolling in classes online alleviates the stress of others seeing you physically attending a domestic abuse class. 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. Your customer information is all highly protected with our online security system.
