Professional Diploma in Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse- February 2026 Intake

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Provider: State of Mind Psychotherapy, Counselling & Education
Delivery: Online (Live via Zoom)
Duration: 10 Weeks | 3 Hours per Week
Accredited CPD Points Awarded: 30 Points

Moodle Access: Upon Enrolment

This comprehensive 10-week online course is designed for professionals working in therapeutic, counseling, and social service settings, aiming to deepen their understanding of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Offered by State of Mind Psychotherapy, Counselling & Education, the course provides participants with both the theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary to support survivors, work with perpetrators, and advocate for social change.

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Throughout the course, students will explore the complexities of domestic violence and sexual abuse, including the psychological, emotional, and physical impacts on victims. You will gain a thorough understanding of the legal framework, risk assessment, safety planning, and therapeutic interventions that are crucial in responding to and treating these forms of trauma. The course will also address the intersectionality of domestic violence, the role of addiction, and the unique challenges faced by children, marginalized groups, and perpetrators.

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Each week, students will engage with in-depth content, case studies, and interactive discussions, building the skills necessary to provide empathetic, evidence-based support. By the end of the course, you will have gained the expertise to offer trauma-informed care, assess and manage risk, and develop personalized safety plans for individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual abuse.

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Course Highlights:

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• In-depth exploration of domestic violence and sexual abuse dynamics

• Legal frameworks, policies, and ethical considerations

• Practical tools for risk assessment and safety planning

• Therapeutic approaches for victims, including trauma-informed care

• Working with perpetrators and managing rehabilitation

• Focus on intersectionality and culturally competent care

• Children’s needs and protective services

• Prevention strategies and advocacy for social change

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This course is ideal for those seeking to expand their professional expertise in the field of domestic violence and sexual abuse, providing a solid foundation for further work in advocacy, therapy, and community support.

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Week 1: Introduction to Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse

• Description: This session introduces the fundamental concepts of domestic violence and sexual abuse, providing a clear understanding of how these issues manifest and impact individuals and communities. Students will learn about the historical context, statistics, and key definitions. The session sets the foundation for the course, establishing an overview of the various types of abuse, and the dynamics of power and control that underlie these behaviors.

Week 2: Legal Framework & Policies

• Description: This session focuses on the legal landscape surrounding domestic violence and sexual abuse. Students will gain an understanding of national and international laws, key pieces of legislation, and the legal definitions that guide both the criminal justice system and social services. The course will cover how laws impact reporting, victim protections, and the legal rights of survivors. It will also address the roles of law enforcement and the courts in responding to abuse.

Week 3: Risk Assessment & Safety Planning

• Description: This session covers risk assessment tools and strategies used in the identification of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Students will learn how to assess risks effectively, including understanding common risk factors for both victims and perpetrators. Practical advice will be given on creating safety plans to support victims. Crisis intervention strategies and the role of professionals in managing immediate and long-term risks will also be discussed.

Week 4: Psychological Effects of Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse

• Description: This session delves into the psychological consequences of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Students will explore how these forms of abuse affect mental health, including the development of disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Emphasis will be placed on understanding trauma bonding and the psychological effects on children who witness or experience abuse. The session will also cover long-term psychological healing and therapeutic approaches for survivors.

Week 5: The Role of Addiction in Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse

• Description: This week’s session explores the complex relationship between addiction and domestic violence. Students will examine how substance abuse may contribute to both perpetrating and experiencing abuse, and how addiction can impact treatment and recovery. The session will address dual diagnosis cases, where both trauma and addiction are present, and offer therapeutic strategies for managing these issues in treatment settings.

Week 6: Therapeutic Approaches for Victims

• Description: Focused on therapeutic interventions for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, this session highlights trauma-informed care and various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The session will also emphasize an empowerment-based approach that allows survivors to regain control over their lives. The session will address working with individuals and families, including children affected by abuse.

Week 7: Working with Perpetrators of Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse

• Description: This session looks at the treatment and rehabilitation of perpetrators of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Students will explore the behavioral and psychological dynamics of abusers, the root causes of abusive behaviors, and therapeutic interventions to promote accountability and rehabilitation. Discussions will cover how to work with perpetrators in a therapeutic setting while managing the risk of reoffending, and how to balance empathy with the need for accountability.

Week 8: Intersectionality and Domestic Violence/Sexual Abuse

• Description: This week’s session explores the intersection of gender, race, class, and other social factors in the context of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Students will learn how these intersecting identities affect the experience of abuse and the access to services available for victims. This session will address specific challenges faced by marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, and focus on creating inclusive and culturally competent support systems.

Week 9: Children and Domestic Violence

• Description: Children who witness or experience domestic violence are profoundly impacted. This session addresses the psychological, emotional, and developmental effects of domestic violence on children. Students will learn to recognize signs of abuse in children, understand the dynamics of child protection, and explore therapeutic interventions for children who have witnessed or experienced violence. The session will include practical approaches such as play therapy to help children process and heal from trauma.

Week 10: Prevention, Advocacy, and Support Systems

• Description: In the final week of the course, students will explore strategies for the prevention of domestic violence and sexual abuse, as well as the importance of public awareness campaigns. The session will also cover the role of advocacy in supporting survivors and preventing further abuse, and highlight the importance of professional and community support networks. Students will be encouraged to plan for continued involvement in the field, including further education, advocacy, and building collaborative networks for providing comprehensive support to survivors.

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Each session will be backed by a combination of theory, case studies, and practical advice, allowing students to understand the real-world application of the knowledge and skills they are developing throughout the course