Domestic violence has existed since the dawn of humanity. For a long time, this theme was taboo. In this minor, you will study to approach violence within the family system, using the latest insights in a multidisciplinary environment.             

In this minor, students will immerse themselves in a multidisciplinary environment, delving into the latest insights on violence within the family system. The course acknowledges the historical silence surrounding domestic violence, emphasizing its status as a well-kept secret and a longstanding taboo. Our goal is to equip you with practical tools to effectively address this issue in the long term.

Domestic violence encompasses a range of scenarios within the family system, such as partner violence, child abuse, - neglect and abuse or neglect of the elderly. Victims of domestic violence are in most cases women and children, but also men, parents and the elderly.

While victims predominantly include women and children, men, parents, and the elderly can also be affected. Recognizing that suspicions often arise in the communities surrounding these families, the course emphasizes the challenge of insufficient facts or signals to prompt adequate action. Factors such as shame further contribute to the concealment of these issues.

Throughout the minor, students will embark on a learning journey to understand the interconnected nature of government policy, social developments, and welfare challenges. The course advocates for an integrated approach, emphasizing simultaneous action at different levels to structurally break the cycle of domestic violence.

Subjects are: 

• Orientation on Domestic Violence and Vulnerable Groups 
• Child Abuse and Neglect
• Intimate Partner Violence
• Elder Abuse
• Economic and Social abuse
• Sexual violence and abuse
• Religion and violence, cultural and gender-specific aspects in domestic violence
• Nonviolent Communication 

Competences on which the students will be working during this course are: 

• Practicing skills to identify, intervene, and prevent abuse and domestic violence
• Developing methods for professionally investigating problems and creating interdisciplinary action plans
• Critical thinking about the unique contributions of each profession or discipline to effective care in combating domestic violence and child abuse
• Acquiring information of international legislation and guidelines related to domestic violence and child abuse
• Training in speaking skills for non-violent collaboration with victims and perpetrators, actively honing communication skills
• Engaging in personal reflection on motives, dilemmas, hesitations, and choices when dealing with cases
• Exploring the manifestation of domestic violence and child abuse within specific cultural or religious populations in different countries worldwide.

This course offers students a distinctive learning experience by fostering an understanding of the intricate dynamics surrounding domestic violence and child abuse. Through collaboration with professionals from various disciplines, students will work towards creating safer, more peaceful and healthier family environments. Importantly, this course equips students with essential knowledge to address a critical challenge faced bij 21st-century professionals.

We are excited to embark on this educational journey with you, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in the realm of domestic violence and child abuse.

• The minor is open to both fulltime and parttime students.
• Placement is guaranteed for international participants.
• 2 years of Higher Education is required

• The Routledge International Handbook of Domestic Violence and Abuse
• Articles on Domestic Violence, Intrafamilial Child Abuse & neglect, Abuse in different settings
• Articles related to weekly topics.

November - January

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, reflection on several theme related documentaries and finally a personal reflection on working in the project group. This assignment will provide 7,5 European Credits (EC). 

Students work together in small project groups and do research outside the classroom in the field (if possible; we prefer the organization you work for!). 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).