MCCCD Program Description

Victimology and Crisis Management

Course: FSC258

First Term: 2015 Spring

Lecture 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 3 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Victimology, the criminal justice system, techniques of crisis intervention, and the importance of a multicultural and global perspective. Includes sexual assault, family violence, post-traumatic stress disorder, the role of substance abuse, effective coping skills, appropriate community resources and the responsiveness of the justice system.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe and explain historical changes in the way society views and responds to crimes against persons. (I) 2. Identify and explain the historical, cultural and social forces and events causing philosophical shifts, changes in laws as well as resources for crime victims within the USA. (I) 3. Identify and describe major data sources for measuring crime within the USA. (II) 4. Summarize the complexity of identifying and responding to criminal victimization in the United States. (II) 5. Define the term "crisis," and explain common causes of crises. (IV) 6. Compare and contrast the function of victim assistance programs and crisis response teams linked to criminal justice agencies. (II) 7. Analyze research that illustrates the long-term impact of family and other forms of personal violence, including child abuse/neglect and partner abuse (including same sex partner abuse), sexual assault and murder. (III) 8. Describe effective treatment protocols and institutional responses to family and other forms of personal violence (III) 9. Identify and describe various treatment modalities for crises and explain their cultural relativity. (IV) 10. Discuss the significance of diversity in all its forms (including gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, religious affiliation, country of origin, and global/geographic diversity) when considering the perpetrator, the victim, the global/geographical context. (V) 11. Explain the significance of the identity/status of the professional helper in relation to how they are likely to be viewed by the client. (V) 12. Evaluate one`s cultural influences in terms of one`s own coping mechanisms in stressful situations, and explain the importance of such insight for legal advocates, first responders and treatment providers` effectiveness. (V) 13. Analyze and describe proven techniques for managing burnout and stress, and apply these to one`s own personality and coping styles. (V) 14. Explain the processes for crisis intervention and their cultural relativity. (VI) 15. Describe potential issues in cross-cultural communication and the importance of the helper dialoguing with interdisciplinary colleagues. (VI) 16. Assess and apply local community and national resources related to crisis intervention and victimology; explain the process of making a referral to these organizations. (VI)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. History of Victimology within the USA A. Evolution of definitions and theories related to victims B. Past responses to victims C. The victim movement D. Definition of culture particularly as it relates to victimology II. Two examples of other nations`/states` philosophical and legal responses to personal violence, one of an industrialized nation, another of a developing nation III. Criminal Justice System and its Relationship to Victims A. Extent of criminal victimization and resource development per geographical area B. Victim rights in the USA C. Services and intervention linked to criminal justice agencies III. Types of Victimology A. Sexual assault B. Family violence (partner and elder abuse) C. Child abuse IV. Theoretical and cultural relativity considerations in Crisis Management A. "Crisis" and "culture" defined B. Causes of crisis and institutional responses 1. Situational/cultural norms, variability 2. Age-related, end of life issues 3. Bereavement and grief 4. Substance abuse, mental illness and disabilities V. Cultural and Professional Ethics Issues A. Coping skills and stress management for the professional and paraprofessional B. Managing burnout C. Multicultural perspective D. Diversity Issues and ethical considerations VI. Processes of Crisis Intervention and treatment modalities with an emphasis on cultural variability A. Interviewing: Developing rapport and attending skills B. Identification of problem and therapeutic intervention C. Exploring and building upon the client`s strengths, coping strategies and personal informal supports within their community/family D. Referrals to culturally relevant formal resources

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: December 9, 2014

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.