Every victim of domestic violence is one too many. It is important to detect domestic violence at an early stage, in order to confront and deal with it. This is where you as a future professional come in.
This minor teaches you what you can do to help reduce domestic violence. Whether your future profession is going to be in education, in a religious setting, in journalism, in communications/PR, or in situations of medical or social care, for any professional it is crucial to be continually aware of the reality of domestic violence. For domestic violence can only be tackled if professionals like you recognise the signals, openly discuss the topic, and help those involved. If you choose this minor, you will learn what we mean by domestic violence, what impact it has on people, and above all, how you can contribute to reducing domestic violence as a professional.
Admission requirements
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Please note
Since this programme is taught from November – January, it can only be followed by international students who join the programme of International Sustainability & Society (September – November) as well.
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Requirements in general for admission
- A secondary education and professional education or training in the field of your interest
- Computer skills
- You are max. 35 years old at the start of the programme
- Good speaking and writing skills in English
One of the qualifications required to start a course is a certificate English. The level should be comparable with a minimum score of 6 (overall band score) of an IELTS test. See attached list for comparable levels. Before admission you have to send a copy of the certificate English to the International Office of the CHE.
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Available scholarships
- Erasmus+
- Orange Knowledge Program (former NFP)
- MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP)
- StuNed
You learn what forms of abuse there are, how to detect abuse at an early stage, and how you can make your suspicions part of the dialogue (a critical skill hindered many times by feelings of (cultural) sensitivity and shame). You also practise this skill, how to conduct conversations and you reflect on how to act, and when it is appropriate to report your suspicions. In addition you also study the international codes on abuse and the legal and communicative aspects within the various professional fields.
Of course you are also introduced to the official report codes from several countries and the way in which different countries handle these situations. Field trips to various institutions (for aid or assistance) or Centres for Asylum Seekers are a part of the program, you will talk to local authorities and civil servants of the local community, or with people of a church congregation.
The minor offers weekly lectures taught by teachers of various disciplines. Apart from these, there are guest lectures with speakers from the professional field. In addition, experienced experts are invited to tell their stories during these lectures. During the seminars you work out the topics in more detail and you practise skills, such as conducting a conversation based on a relevant case.
In the meantime and together with a group of students from various disciplines, you work on your final project. This involves intensive contact with people in the professional field who serve as a contracting organisation for your final project. Finally, you keep a logbook about your own personal development.
Courses
Topics and objectives
In this minor, students will study in a multidisciplinary environment in which they will learn to approach violence within family system within the latest insights.
Domestic violence has existed since the dawn of humanity. For a long time this theme was not talked about, it was a taboo and rarely did anyone find practical ways to deal effectively with it. Domestic violence is the violence that is submitted by someone from the family system. Examples are violence within the relationship, child abuse and/or neglect, parental abuse or neglect of the elderly. Victims of domestic violence are in most cases women and children, but also men, parents and the elderly.
The environment surrounding these families sometimes has suspicions, but there is almost always too little evidence to act. Shame often plays a major role with victims, which in effect leads to keeping hidden what is going on. Based on various International and Dutch studies, it can be concluded that domestic violence occurs very regularly.
Students are taken on a learning journey in which they discover for themselves that an integrated approach is in order to generate lasting impact. Subjects are:
- Orientation on Domestic Violence and Vulnerable Groups
- Child Abuse
- Non-violent communication
- Partner-violence
- Sexual abuse
- Religion and violence, intercultural issues
Each accounts for circa 1 EC which is included on the two assignments mentioned before.
Competences on which the students will be working during this course are:
- Methods of prevention of abuse and domestic violence
- Methods of investigating the issues professionally leading to professional (and interdisciplinary) Plan of Action
- Think critically on ways each profession (or discipline) contributes to adequate care and on a religious (Christian) approach to care
- Think critically on sharing information within European laws and guidelines with regard to co-operating in this sensitive area
- Skills training with regard to co-operating in this sensitive area (different communication skills are actively trained)
- Personal reflection on motives, dilemmas, hesitancies, choices in dealing with cases
- Dealing with a real-live research question full of real-live complexity.
This course will provide students with a unique learning experience in which they will both become aware of the complexity of partnering with other professionals to work toward a more safe, peaceful and wholesome families and society while at the same time providing them with knowledge regarding this very important challenge for professionals of the 21st century.
EC and Assesments
- The individual assignment consists of a portfolio (collection) of a journal and personal reflection, weekly assignments on case work, reflection on skills lab, reports of field research, and finally a personal reflection on working in the project group. This assignement will provide 7,5 European Credits (EC).
- Students work together in project groups and do research outside the classroom in the field. In close cooperation with requirements from the field a manual is designed that can (and will) actually be used by practitioners either in the field of education, social work, religious institutions, psychologists or other professionals. Preparation is done by meeting law officials, field trips to organizations, interviewing professionals, and reviewing literature. The manual will be tested in practice and reviewed for improvement. This project will provide 7,5 European Credits (EC).
