*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 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 violent to be considered an abuser, but can be someone who is in complete control over all finances, someone who purposely isolates the partner from friends and family, 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 violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States. 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 from 20 – 24 years of age are the most likely to be 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 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 is at epidemic proportions affecting all races, religions and nationalities. However, research shows that people with annual income below $25,000 are at a 3-times higher risk of intimate partner abuse than people with income over $50,000. Victims with higher income levels tend to not report the abuse. Statistics also show that occupants 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. 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 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 client about issues related to domestic assault with the goal of stopping the behavior. 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. 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 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 professionals. 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 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?
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. 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 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 inquiries or comments. 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. How long do I have to finish the class?
Our courses are available to take on your own schedule. You can log-in and out as often 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 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. All your log-in and identity information is highly protected with our state of the art online security system.
