MCCCD Program Description

Domestic Violence

Course: AJS162

First Term: 2025 Fall

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

Description: Explores domestic violence as a social problem within the United States from historical, cultural, political, legal, and law enforcement perspectives. Provides an overview of theories, definitions and causes of, and interventions for domestic violence involving spousal, elder and child abuse along with teen dating violence. Examines the dynamics and effects of domestic violence. Addresses research issues and contemporary domestic violence policy.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Define domestic violence including both social and legal definitions. (I, IV) 2. Explain the dynamics of domestic violence. (II) 3. Explain the theoretical paradigms that have been presented to explain domestic violence. (III) 4. Explain the characteristics of domestic violence victims and abusers. (I, II, V) 5. Describe the historical, social and political forces that have brought domestic violence to the forefront of social problems. (I, III) 6. Discuss community responses to domestic violence. (VI, VII, VIII, XI) 7. Discuss various assessments to identify spousal abuse, dating violence and elder abuse. (VI, VIII, XI) 8. Identify components of intervention with a victim of domestic violence. (VIII, XI) 9. Explain the cultural components affecting domestic violence. (V) 10. Define stalking. (IX) 11. Explain the dynamics of stalking and stalker characteristics. (IX) 12. Explain the effects of domestic violence on children and within the family. (X) 13. Examine community agencies and resources related to domestic violence. (VII, XI)
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. Domestic violence: historical overview A. Evolution of definitions and theories related to domestic violence B. Myths C. Cycle of violence II. Dynamics A. Victim characteristics B. Characteristics of abusers C. Why the victim stays D. Lethality indicators III. Theoretical explanations for domestic violence A. Social variables B. Structural variables C. Cultural values IV. Domestic violence statute and related laws A. Domestic violence crimes B. New domestic violence felonies C. Relationship criteria D. Orders of Protection E. Injunctions against harassment D. Federal laws 1. Violence Against Women Act 2. Brady 3. Full Faith and Credit 4. Lautenberg V. Cultural issues regarding domestic violence A. Multicultural perspectives B. Diversity issues C. Cultural issues for law enforcement VI. Effective law enforcement response A. Tactical response to domestic violence scenes B. Investigation C. Evidence collection D. Special issues in domestic violence cases VII. Prosecution and Court Related Issues A. Prosecution policies B. Evidence based prosecution VIII. Intervention A. Victim`s rights B. Victim services C. Abuser intervention IX. Stalking A. Stalker characteristics B. Anti-stalking laws X. Effects on children A. Research findings B. New laws XI. Resources and Services for Domestic Violence Victims A. Services available for abusers and victims B. Therapy for domestic violence abusers and victims

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: June 25, 2024

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.