*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 abusive 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 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 Violence is a serious threat to women. More women than men experience domestic violence. 85% of domestic violence victims are women. 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 are exposed to some form of domestic abuse each year.
3. Do statistics change based on level of wealth?
Intimate partner violence is at epidemic proportions affecting all races, religions and nationalities. However, research shows 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. 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 higher rates of domestic violence than white women, and American-Indian women are abused at a rate more than double that of women of other races. Unfortunately, domestic violence is one of the most underreported crimes!
4. I’m worried about the impact of this abuse on our kids.
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 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 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. 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. Have your anger control issues recently led to trouble with the law?
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 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 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. How do I know if my jurisdiction will accept these classes?
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 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 questions, comments or concerns. Dr. Novick is available to directly speak with Monday – Friday, 9-5 PST at (949) 715-2694. He can also be reached by e-mail at
[email protected] .
10. Is there a deadline to finish the class?
Our classes are taken completely at your own pace. You can log-in and out as many times 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 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 are unlike classrooms in that nobody else sees you are attending. The only people who must know are your attorneys and the court system. You will never receive any unsolicited phone calls from our company. Your customer information is all highly protected with our online security system.
