This course provides an introduction to the topic of intimate partner violence in the U.S. with a focus on how public health professionals can contribute to its prevention. Lectures will cover a range of relevant subtopics including teen dating violence, child witnesses to violence, intervention with offenders, the domestic violence shelter movement, restorative justice, the overlap between child abuse and partner violence, and others. An intersectional analysis framework that centers the experiences of people with multiple marginalized identities will be employed. Students will receive information about current laws and controversies related to partner violence prevention. Students who complete the course will be prepared to work in a professional capacity as a research assistant, health department employee, or community-based organization staff person in the area of partner violence prevention and advocacy. Teaching methods include lectures, small group discussion, case analyses, the use of multimedia, and interviews with providers. National and state experts in the field of partner violence prevention may present guest lectures. NOTE: Students with an interest in this course should consider their own capacity to focus intensively on the difficult subtopics that will be covered in detail, including intimate partner sexual abuse and child exposure to violence.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the Student Link for the most up-to-date course information.