CCAFV: Distance Learning Course


			Family Violence Distance Learning Course provides health care professionals opportunity for continuing education credits. The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence and Columbus State Community College partnered to develop a Family Violence distance learning course to provide nurses, physicians, social workers, counselors and marriage and family therapists the opportunity to earn continuing education credits. Participants completed course requirements while at work or home in one or several sessions. The course provided participants the opportunity to listen to lectures, participate in pre- and post-tests and review case studies to reinforce learning. Current state legislation, sample assessment and documentation forms were also available with a list of local and national resources. Upon completing the course, participants had a solid understanding of family violence and the complexities that surround identifying, disclosing and reporting this serious social problem. The course begins with an overview of family violence. This overview emphasizes the definition of family and the multiple types of family violence that can occur in a single household. Also included are modules regarding domestic violence, elder abuse and child abuse. Each module provides an overview of the topic including history, definitions and characteristics of the abuse. The importance of screening and assessing all patients/clients are discussed in each section of the course. Sample forms and techniques for documenting incidences of family violence are also provided. Currently, the course is unavailable while we update the content and formatting. We hope to offer the revised online course in the near future.