1. 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 can mean physical aggression as well harassment, stalking, domineering, intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation.
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 uses putdowns and name-calling for intimidation purposes. It can also describe a person who continuously shows up where the partner is, unannounced, to check that the partner is telling the truth, or reads all incoming email, phone calls and texts.
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%. 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. Everyday on average about three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. Studies show that up to 10 million children are exposed to some form of domestic violence each year.
3. Do parts of the country experience more cases of Domestic Violence than others?
Intimate partner violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or income. However, studies show that people making below $25,000 annually are at a 3-times higher risk of intimate partner abuse than people with income over $50,000. Individuals with lower income levels are more likely to report a domestic assault. Statistics also show that citizens 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 assaulted at a rate more than double that of women of other races. Unfortunately, domestic violence is one of the most underreported crimes!
4. What is the impact of domestic abuse on children?
Over 3 million children are exposed to parental abuse 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 exposed to this environment have increased levels of disobedience, anger, 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 participant about issues related to domestic assault with the goal of eliminating the violence and abuse. Course topics cover an explanation of what describes domestic violence, how to recognize the signs, how to stop the behavior and how to stop the cycle of violence. 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. Have your anger control issues recently led to trouble with the law?
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 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 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. It is the client’s responsibility to confirm with the judge or probation officer as to whether they will accept a distance-learning program. Taking a few minutes to ask for court approval will save you commuting time, money for gas and parking, and the potential of having to miss work to make specific class times.
9. Is there a real person I can speak with if I have questions?
We welcome any inquiries or comments. 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 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. 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 log-in for a half an hour a day over the period of a few 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 must know are your legal advisors and the court system. You will never receive any unsolicited phone calls from our company. Our state of the art online security system protects all your personal identification information.
