Certificate in Fundamentals of Understanding and Responding to Domestic Abuse

Indicative content for the Certificate in Fundamentals of Understanding & Responding to Domestic Abuse:

• Unit One: Theoretical Context of Domestic Abuse
• Unit Two: Contemporary Issues Within Domestic Abuse
• Unit Three: Professional Ethical and Legal Practice

This course aims to support learners in the development of an appropriate level of knowledge, skill and understanding to enable them to appropriately recognise and respond to domestic abuse. Participants on this would will learn to:

• Appraise the theoretical context of domestic abuse within everyday settings
• Recognise the indicators of domestic abuse
• Explore the nature of effective communication for all key stakeholders
• Critically appraise professional, ethical and legal issues in the context of domestic abuse
• Reflect upon and consider the promotion of self-care.

More information about the course outcomes, content and assessment

This programme will be delivered via live online lectures on Fridays (9am to 5pm) for a total of 8 Fridays over the semester. In addition, students are also required to attend DkIT for three days (09.00hrs to 17.00rhs) over the semester. 

Students are also required to undertake independent and directed study. 

Please note this timetable is subject to change.

Total fee = €700 payable as follows:

1. Accept Offer Fee = €100 (Non-refundable)
2. Fee balance of €600 payable by October 31st.

Applicants should have a Level 7 major award qualification in a relevant discipline.

Equivalent recognition may be given through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process on an individual case-by-case basis to candidates who have not yet achieved this academic standard but who can demonstrate significant relevant professional experience. Candidates may be interviewed.

Due to the blended learning delivery within this course students should have access to a PC / Mac, a headset with a mic, and a broadband internet connection from home, so as to be able to fully participate in the course. Basic IT skills are essential.

DkIT requires that current service users of Domestic Abuse support services do not undertake this course. You should delay your application until such time as you are no longer a service user. This will avoid potential professional conflict of interest between current service users and other course participants.

This course will be of particular interest to those individuals whose work may bring them into contact with victims of Domestic Abuse. Domestic abuse occurs in every culture, country and age group affecting individuals from all socioeconomic, educational and religious backgrounds. It affects both women and men and occurs within heterosexual and lesbian, gay and bisexual or transgender relationships. It is acknowledged, from evidence both nationally and internationally, that the majority of victims are women.

Domestic abuse also affects children even if they are not abused or do not witness it directly. Domestic abuse can present in the form of Elder Abuse where the older person is abused by a significant individual such as their spouse, children, relatives or carer. It is also recognised that it occurs within vulnerable groups such as those with an intellectual and/or physical disability where the abuser may be a carer, partner or relative.