Domestic Violence: Assessment, Intervention, and Ethical Considerations for Psychologists

---

How to Take This Course:

• 1 View Course Worksheet -  View the course worksheet or print it out to review later
• 2 Read the Course Material -  As you read through, mark your answers on the course worksheet to be prepared for the exam
• 3 Take Exam -  You must achieve a score of 75% or higher in order to earn credit for the course.
• You don't need to pay for an exam until AFTER you pass it. If you have any questions or need more information, please click here.

---

Target Audience: Psychologists
Instructional Level: Introductory

CE Course Description

This continuing education course provides licensed psychologists with an in-depth, evidence-based understanding of domestic violence (DV), including its forms, psychological impact, and implications for clinical practice. Domestic violence is a pervasive public health issue that significantly affects mental health outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Psychologists are uniquely positioned to identify, assess, and intervene in cases involving survivors, perpetrators, and affected family systems. This course emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and ethically grounded approaches to care. Participants will learn to recognize patterns of coercive control, conduct comprehensive risk assessments, and implement evidence-based psychosocial interventions. Special attention is given to diversity considerations, including the influence of culture, gender, socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, and systemic inequities on the experience and reporting of domestic violence. This course also reviews current national guidelines, legal responsibilities, and mandated reporting requirements relevant to psychological practice. Through case-based examples and interdisciplinary perspectives, participants will develop practical skills to enhance client safety, improve treatment outcomes, and collaborate effectively with community resources.

Courseware Supervisor: Ryan C. Warner, Ph.D., CRC

Author: Jay Trambadia, Psy.D.

CE Course Objectives

1. Differentiate between types of domestic violence, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse, and describe patterns of coercive control.
2. Identify clinical signs and risk factors associated with domestic violence victimization and perpetration across diverse populations.
3. Develop safety planning strategies and collaborative care approaches tailored to client needs and contextual factors.
4. Evaluate ethical considerations, including confidentiality, mandated reporting, and professional responsibilities in domestic violence cases.
5. Integrate cultural competence and diversity-informed practices when working with individuals and families affected by domestic violence.

1. Module 1: Foundations of Domestic Violence - (12 minutes)
2. Module 2: Dynamics of Power, Control, and Coercion - (12 minutes)
3. Module 3: Risk Factors for Domestic Violence Perpetration and Victimization - (12 minutes)
4. Module 4: Clinical Presentation, Assessment, and Mental Health Sequelae of Domestic Violence - (12 minutes)
5. Module 5: Evidence-Based Interventions, Safety Planning, and Collaborative Care - (12 minutes)
6. Module 6: Ethical Considerations, Cultural Competence, Communication, and Reporting Responsibilities in Domestic Violence Practice - (12 minutes)
7. Module 7: National Guidelines, Policy Updates, and Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Domestic Violence Practice - (12 minutes)
8. Module 8: Integrated Case Applications and Clinical Decision-Making in Domestic Violence Practice - (12 minutes)
9. Module 9: Cultural and Individual Diversity in Domestic Violence Assessment and Intervention - (12 minutes)
10. Module 10: Future Directions and Conclusion in Domestic Violence Practice - (12 minutes)
11. References

Course Date: 2026-06-12

Content License

Our courseware includes the text content found on our websites and exam questions that make up our courses. You can link to and access our courseware free of charge for personal use. You may not modify or redistribute our courseware under any circumstances.

Although we allow free access for personal use, you may not use our courseware for any commercial purposes without an agreement in place. This includes (but is not limited to) using our courseware for internal training, redistributing our courseware for sale, and copying all or parts of any of our courseware.

If you're interested in licensing our content for commercial purposes or have any other questions, please contact legal@edcompassedu.com.

Proprietary Interest Policy

We will disclose, in advance, any proprietary interest in any product, instrument, device, service, or material to be discussed during the learning event, as well as the source of any third-party compensation related to the presentation. This policy applies to both our organization and contractors. If such proprietary/financial interests exist, we will publish a disclaimer in marketing or instructional materials for a course.

No conflict of interest or relevant financial relationship was identified for this learning activity for individuals in a position to control content.

System Requirements

In order to view this course, you will need to be able to view a PDF document for the course material. If your device doesn't have the capability to view a PDF, you can click here to download Adobe Acrobat for free.

Special Needs

If you require ADA or other special needs accommodations, please contact us by email: psychce@edcompassedu.com or by phone 1-800-240-6978, so arrangements can be made.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

PsychCE is committed to encouraging and sustaining a learning and work community that is free from prohibited discrimination and harassment. The company prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, genetic information, or age in the administration of its policies, educational program, employment, or any other company program or activity.

This policy governs the conduct of all PsychCE students and employees in connection with company-sponsored programs.

Questions or comments about discrimination can be directed to legal@edcompassedu.com.

‹ Return to Courses