HLST N8175 - Understanding & Responding to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Module Details

Module Code: HLST N8175
Full Title: Understanding & Responding to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2024/25 ( September 2024 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 20
Module Owner:: Geraldine O'Connor
Departments: Nursing Midwifery & Early Years
Module Description: The aim of this module is to facilitate learners with a critical foundation in, and understanding of, the principles; concepts; theories; applications and contexts of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence through a trauma-informed lens. It will provide learners with a clear and current body of relevant and current knowledge; information, terminology and definitions; academic and practical sources and case studies; and examples of evidence, in order that they may develop their skills and apply these in their career and/or professional practice in the context of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Review and analyse the theoretical, policy and social context of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
MLO2 Discuss the concept of coercive control and the associated preventative and intervention efforts to combat it.
MLO3 Critically consider the psycho-social perspective of children and adolescents experiences of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
MLO4 Appraise the importance of an intersectional and trauma-informed approach to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
MLO5 Evaluate relevant legislation underpinning Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.
MLO6 Critically discuss the evidence base underpinning awareness and recognition of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
MLO7 Critically reflect on the concept and practice of self-care in work-related contexts.
MLO8 Demonstrate the application of best practice in responding to, and referring, victims/survivors of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
NOTE:
All indicative content will include current research, policy and practice pertinent to the topic under discussion and will be underpinned by a trauma-informed approach.
UNIT ONE: Theoretical, policy and social context of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV).
Theoretical Context: Overview of theories/models as they relate to causes of DSGBV; Historical roots of DSGBV; Contemporary theories/models-social support, theory of change, trauma-informed practice. National and International Policy Context: Istanbul convention. Third National strategy on DSGBV 2022-2026; The role of CUAN - Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence agency. DSGBV - language. Prevalence of DSGBV. 'In Her Shoes®' interactive exercise. Introduction to reflective practice and self-care. Coercive Control: Definition; The concept of Coercive Control; Exploring tactics of Coercive Control; Biderman’s Chart of Coercion; Space for Action. Types of abuse: Emotional; psychological; financial; material; physical; sexual; Stalking & Harassment; Technology facilitated abuse; Post separation abuse. DSGBV in the perinatal period. DSGBV in childhood and adolescence: Parental alienation; Positioning. Experience: As an abusive context; Parenting capacity; Additional adversities; Developmental differences; Intersections & additional adversities. Agency. Resilience. The impact of DSGBV across the lifespan. Socio economic impact of DSGBV.
UNIT TWO: An intersectional approach to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
How experience and help seeking are impacted by: Sex, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, (dis)ability, religion. Sex, gender & sexuality. Male victims of Domestic Violence and Coercive Control. DSGBV specific to LGBTQI+ people. Disability: Experience; Help-seeking. Understanding cultural perspectives of abuse: Culture; Cultural influence; Socio-Cultural Risk Factors; Help seeking; Factors to consider in relation to service provision; Cultural Safety. Polyvictimization. Adverse Childhood Experiences. Relationship between DSGBV and physical and mental health. Working with people with complex, additional needs: addiction issues, poor mental health issues, homelessness.
UNIT THREE: Legislation in the context of Domestic, Sexual & Gender-Based Violence.
Development of Domestic Abuse laws in Ireland; Domestic Violence Act 2018; Definitions; Offences under the 2018 Act; Types of orders; Court proceedings; Protections available; Coercive Control – examples of prosecutions; Other miscellaneous legislation (DV leave, legal aid etc); Criminal legislation responses to DSGBV (assault, murder, harassment, sexual violence); Future reform. Child Protection: Safeguarding; Recognising childhood abuse; Retrospective disclosures; Reporting and responding to a child protection or safeguarding concerns. Best Practice: Record keeping; Informing parents; Post referral process; Signs of safety framework; Meitheal.
UNIT FOUR: Responding to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence utilising a trauma-informed approach to practice
The role of specialist Sexual Violence services: Overview of Rape Crisis Network Ireland. Crisis support and interventions provided by rape crisis centres. Sexual Assault Treatment Units. Working with victims/survivors. Victims support programmes. A victim’s journey through a refuge. A victim’s journey through the criminal justice system. The role of perpetrator programmes. The role of An Garda Síochána in DSGBV. Recognising and responding to DSGBV. Dealing with disclosure. Practical workshop on responding to DSGBV. Self-Care – including Self-care practical workshop.
UNIT FIVE: Best practice in the development and delivery of trauma-informed responses to victims/survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
Professional practice: Trauma-informed Practice in the context of DSGBV; Risk assessment and risk management; Motivational Interviewing; Conflict management; DSGBV service outcome evaluation. Best practice in record keeping. Ethical Practice: Ethical context of DSGBV. Personal and professional boundaries. Collaborative Practice: Collaborative practice and integration. Scope and limitation of practice, Interagency communication, maximising effectiveness and efficiencies. Advocacy skills. Referral Pathways. Social Change: Identification of current challenges in relation to recognising and responding to DSGBV - e.g. knowledge, education, resources, positioning. Identification of potential solutions (future), Strategies to address challenges (bridge). Reflective practice: Refreshing and reviewing; applying the practice.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work50.00%
Practical50.00%
Module Special Regulation
The continuous assessment (written assignment) and practical/skills evaluation (OSCE) must be passed independently.

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 0
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 7
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
This FORMATIVE reflective journal will capture the individual's weekly journey throughout the programme and will be instrumental in their professional development and sustaining self care
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,5,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The continuous assessment will comprise of a 3,500 word written assignment that will critically discuss the evidence base underpinning awareness and recognition of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. This assessment must be passed independently.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 3,4,7,8
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will undertake a structured holistic assessment whilst demonstrating best practice in responding to, and referring, a victim of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. This will
be in the form of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Discipline specific
scenarios will address professional diversities. This assessment must be passed independently
No Final Examination

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 0
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing Every Week Learning Outcome 7
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
This FORMATIVE reflective journal will capture the individual's weekly journey throughout the programme and will be instrumental in their professional development and sustaining self-care.
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,5,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The continuous assessment will comprise of a 3,500 word written assignment that will critically discuss the evidence base underpinning awareness and recognition of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. This assessment must be passed independently.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 3,4,7,8
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will undertake a structured holistic assessment whilst demonstrating best practice in responding to, and referring, a victim of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. This will be in the form of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Discipline specific
scenarios will address professional diversities. This assessment must be passed independently.
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Including group work, group discussions, visiting lectures Every Second Week 3.00 6
Online (Contact) Contact A variety of online resources will be provided for students Every Second Week 3.00 6
Directed Reading Non Contact Directed Study Once per semester 13.33 200
Independent Study Non Contact Independent Study Once per semester 13.33 200
Total Weekly Learner Workload 32.67
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Including group work, group discussions, visiting lecturers Every Second Week 3.00 6
Online (Contact) Contact A variety of online resources will be provided for students Every Second Week 3.00 6
Directed Reading Non Contact Directed Study Once per semester 13.33 200
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Once per semester 13.33 200
Total Weekly Learner Workload 32.67
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Macy, R., Bradbury-Jones, C., Øverlien, C., Holt, S. & Devaney, J. eds. (2021), The Routledge International Handbook of Domestic Violence and Abuse, London,, Routledge.
  • Thiara, R.K. & Radford, L (eds.). (2021), Working with Domestic Violence and Abuse Across the Lifecourse: Understanding Good Practice,, Jessica Kingsley Publishers..
  • Barlow, C. & Walklate, S. (2022), Coercive Control., Routledge.
  • Katz, E. (2022), Coercive Control in Children's and Mothers' Lives, OUP USA.
  • Stark, E. (2023), Children of Coercive Control (Interpersonal Violence), Oxford University Press.
  • Holt, S. & Øverlien, C. (2023), A European perspective on children and adolescents who experience domestic violence and abuse. Routledge, Routledge.
  • Walsh, K. & Dixon, S. (2024), Domestic Violence: Law and Practice in Ireland, Bloomsbury Professional.
  • Devaney, J. & Lazenbatt, A. (2016), Domestic Violence Perpetrators: Evidence-Informed Responses, Routledge.
  • Nicolson, P. (2019), Domestic Violence and Psychology Critical Perspectives on Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse, 2nd. Routledge.
  • Humphreys, C.J. & Towl, G.J. (2023), Stopping Gender-based Violence in Higher Education Policy, Practice, and Partnerships, Routledge.
  • Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. (2025), The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Penguin.
  • Laing, L., Humphreys, C. & Cavanagh, K. (2013), Social work and Domestic Violence, Developing Critical and Reflective Practice, Sage Publications Ltd..
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources