MCCCD Program Description

Victimology and Crisis, a Social Services Perspective

Course: SWU258

First Term: 2023 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: A social work response to victimology, working with the criminal justice system, evidence-based techniques in crisis intervention, and the importance of a multicultural and global perspective. Includes a therapeutic approach to topics such as sexual assault, family violence, post-traumatic stress disorder, stress management, natural disasters, effective coping skills, appropriate community resources, and the responsiveness of the justice system.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Appraise the historical, cultural forces and events causing philosophical shifts, changes in laws, and the way society views and responds to crimes against persons, as well as resources for crime victims within the US. (I, II) 2. Analyze major data sources for measuring crime within the USA and the intersection of diversity related to crime victims. (II, III) 3. Analyze the issues associated with various types of victimization and common causes of victimization, including historical trauma of diverse populations. (III) 4. Analyze research that illustrates the long-term impact of family and other forms of personal violence. (III) 5. Summarize the complexity of identifying and responding to criminal victimization in the United States. (III, IV) 6. Evaluate the function of victim assistance programs and crisis response teams linked to other governmental, non-profit, and other human service agencies. (IV) 7. Explain the importance of interacting with interdisciplinary colleagues. (IV) 8. Assess proven techniques for managing burnout and stress in light of the helper’s personality, culture, and coping styles. (V) 9. Explain the significance of diversity in all its forms when considering the perpetrator, the victim, the professional helper, and the global/geographical context. (V, VI, VII) 10. Describe effective treatment protocols, modalities, and institutional responses to forms of personal violence and their cultural relativity. (VI, VII) 11. Describe potential issues in cross-cultural communication with victims of violence. (VI, VII) 12. Assess local community and national resources related to crisis intervention and victimology. (VII)
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 in the United States A. Evolution of definitions and theories related to victims B. Historical responses to victims C. The victims’ rights movement D. Definition of culture particularly as it relates to victimology II. Criminal justice system and its relationship to victims A. Extent of criminal victimization and related resources B. Victims’ rights in the United States C. Services and interventions available D. Databases and statistics as it relates to victimology III. Types of victimology A. Sexual assault B. Family violence 1. Partner abuse, including LGBTQ partner 2. Elder neglect and abuse 3. Child neglect and abuse C. Generational trauma D. Hate crimes E. Human trafficking F. Assault G. Murder H. Natural disasters I. Domestic terrorism J. Other IV. Principles and cultural relativity considerations in crisis management A. "Crisis" and "culture" defined B. Causes of crisis 1. Situational/cultural norms 2. Age-related and end of life issues 3. Bereavement and grief 4. Substance abuse, mental illness, and disabilities C. Institutional responses 1. Communication styles with victims 2. Interactions with interdisciplinary colleagues 3. Referrals and collaboration with community resources V. Ethical considerations for those working in crisis management A. Professional code of ethics B. Coping skills and stress management C. Managing burnout D. Factors impacting professional judgment and behavior 1. Evolving worldview 2. Personal experiences and related reactions E. Research-informed decision making techniques VI. Culturally-informed practices A. Multicultural perspectives and types of programs available B. Non-discrimination C. Diversity and inclusion VII. Culturally-inclusive processes of crisis intervention A. Assessment and interventions 1. Developing rapport and listening 2. Identifying the problem 3. Attending skills 4. Types of interventions B. Victim-centered care 1. Victim’s strengths 2. Positive coping strategies 3. Formal and informal support systems C. Referrals to culturally relevant formal resources

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 28, 2023

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.