Crisis Trauma and Abuse

Course Description

Emphasis on definition, factors, theories, and characteristics associated with abuse and family violence. Topics include examination and analysis of crisis, trauma and disaster preparedness, community response, legal rights, prevention and intervention strategies.

Learning Outcomes

• Define and understand the factors that contribute to family violence. Define and analyze the cycle of abuse and the types of abuse and neglect. Analyze and integrate the theories of spousal abuse and effects upon children. Examine characteristics of the abuser and the abused in sexual, emotional and physical abuse cases. Develop an understanding of working with today’s at-risk families. Research the historical background of a complex and controversial form of abuse known as ritualistic abuse. Examine the role of the professional and gain insight into the intervention process, which includes the legal and ethical procedures of protecting the rights of children and families. Recognize behavior associated with stress, crisis and possible trauma in an early childhood setting. Summarize theories and compare descriptions to violence exposure.
• View, preview and evaluate current trends in media exposure and study the effects of long-term media exposure. Examine the media culture and review the impact of media exposure on children.
• Study the characteristics and impact of sibling abuse. Define and examine the problematic concerns revolving around elder abuse. Research and evaluate the impact of death and separation for a child.
• Understand and discuss current laws, policies and procedures used by law enforcement agencies and the family court. Gain insight into the dynamics and legal process involved in gay and lesbian abuse. Describe the laws, motivation, prevention and systems involved with stalking.
• Analyze and understand the varied types of victimization of cultural issues, disabilities and terminal illness. Demonstrate an understanding of the caregiver role during a crisis, trauma and violent act.
• Research the historical perspective of compensation and restitution for the rights of victims.
• Compare international standards and policies revolving crisis, trauma and violence.
• Compile resources in the community and assess the programs available. Gain knowledge of how to handle a crisis and trauma or prepare for a disaster. Collect and compile resources for children and adults to help during a crisis, or traumatic event. Elaborate and develop resources for homelessness, poverty, and unemployment.
• Create curriculum and intervention strategies. Design a curriculum unit to help with a crisis. Prepare a curriculum unit for a natural disaster preparation plan. Create a crisis plan and develop a crisis team in an educational setting. Apply the knowledge to create curriculum activities for parents and children.