The Truth About Domestic Violence

This course is designed to help the student reach a better understanding of the formidable subject of domestic violence. By its very nature and necessity, domestic violence/spousal abuse is a private, secretive, and hidden problem. It is covertly committed by the perpetrator and often assiduously concealed by both perpetrator and victim. It can become a complex, multifaceted encounter for police officers. Police administrators must be careful when placing increased social and ethical dilemmas in the hands of their officers. This increased criminal accountability and social responsibility can lead to frustration. The result is officers' feelings of helplessness in preventing domestic violence and other social problems that they feel unable to resolve. Officers must be assured that they are not alone and that other members of the community share responsibility. Many states now require students in certain fields of study to take courses in specific areas of domestic/family violence as a condition of receiving a license to practice a specific discipline. This course is intended specifically for criminal justice professionals to bridge the information gap between the community and criminal justice professionals and enable each to make informed choices and to communicate more effectively with each other. It explains the constraints faced by the criminal justice system, its policies, and procedures, and its underlying goals concerning domestic violence/spousal abuse.

Course Outline

Lesson 1 A Rational And Reasoned Perspective
Lesson 2 A Quality Of Life Issue For Many
Lesson 3 Time To Get On The Same Page
Lesson 4 We Do Not Deal With Justice Here; We Deal With The Law
Lesson 5 Realities Concerning Domestic Violence
Lesson 6 More Than A Hunch
Lesson 7 Easy Solutions Are Not Always Easy
Lesson 8 Department And Community Training
Lesson 9 Recommendations From The Valley
Lesson 10 What We Say Isn't Always What We Do Epilogue Criminal Justice Responsibility

Required Texts

Domestic Violence: Facts And Fallacies by Richard L. Davis
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Domestic violence is far more than just spousal abuse. The nexus of the enigma is social, economic, and institutional power regardless of gender. Written in clear prose and well referenced, this book professes that patriarchy does not cause domestic violence, but rather causes it to proliferate.

Tuition for this course is $15.

About The Instructor

Richard L. Davis

Lieutenant, Brockton MA PD (Retired). In charge of Academy training for three years. Extensive background in criminal justice administration and education, Masters from Anna Maria College and Harvard University, Graduated from Bridgewater State College. Associate Degree in Law Enforcement from Massasoit Community College.

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