About Domestic Violence and Online Ethics Training Classes

Quick Take

Domestic violence and online ethics training courses can help everyone from community volunteers to professional therapists increase their abilities to aid people involved in this growing legal and social issue.

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Overview

Most domestic violence and online ethics training courses are not traditional college courses. Such classes typically offer continuing education units (CEUs). Some professionals, including mental health counselors, must periodically complete additional CEUs to stay certified in their field of choice. Others, like activists and volunteers, may not necessarily receive a tangible benefit from CEUs. However, taking such a class is still a potentially enjoyable endeavor. Some organizations, including non-profits with paying jobs and volunteer positions, may also extend opportunities to you based on this type of educational background.

Financial Considerations

Courses for CEUs are rarely, if ever, covered by traditional college financial aid and scholarship programs. This includes federal and most private student loans. However, you may qualify for employer or volunteer agency reimbursement. In some cases, you may also be able to take a tax deduction. Specific tax considerations are best discussed with your accountant or addressed with your country’s taxation entity. Fortunately, most courses are rather affordable even for those on tight personal spending plans .

Accreditation Considerations

Many online classes for CEUs aren’t necessarily offered through an accredited college or university. If you have a licenser issue, check with the appropriate board to ensure your online courses meet any requirements. Some community colleges may also offer online continuing education classes; if accreditation of the offering institution is essential you might want to call your local junior college to learn more about their domestic violence-related online course schedules. Otherwise, you should feel free to take classes that benefit your goals.

Universal Class Offerings

If you’re looking for a basic background on domestic violence, you may want to consider Universal Class. Courses are self-paced; your initial registration fee permits you to take six months to finish the coursework. Trained counselors and teachers usually facilitate Universal Class course offerings.

Options range from “Domestic Violence 101” to “Violence and Children.” As of 2010, the typical cost of these types of classes ranged from $50 to $65.

Virtual Lecture Hall Offerings

If you need American Medical Association (AMA) credits, then you might want to enroll in courses administered through Virtual Lecture Hall. Even if you’re not a medical doctor, you can still benefit from their domestic violence and ethics courses. Choices include “Current Management of Domestic Violence,” which charges $25 per AMA credit hour. You can take one to 16 credits this way. Topics covered that would educate a wider variety of helping professionals and volunteers include working with clients/patients to change their violent situation as well as how to assess the safety of intimate partner violence victims.

Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence Offerings

As of 2010, the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers a dozen domestic violence and online ethics training courses. Though some courses rely heavily on Washington state issues, others may benefit people from any part of the United States. One class, entitled “Learning the Laws on Confidentiality,” covers national issues along with those more restricted to Washington State.

Most courses are free of charge and offer certification of “hours” by the organization. This is probably not the equivalent of CEUs for those needing such confirmation. However, the educational process and the satisfaction of completion may reap its own set of benefits.