Domestic Violence Services - Certificate Program
EFSC's Domestic Violence Services Certificate program will prepare you to work with survivors of domestic violence in a variety of different settings, such as domestic violence shelters, domestic violence classes, family violence prevention centers, domestic violence support groups, and through domestic violence hotlines.
Eastern Florida developed the Domestic Violence Services curriculum to meet local Brevard County needs and was the first college in the state of Florida to offer an online domestic violence advocate certificate!
Social work jobs (including domestic violence advocate jobs) are projected to grow by 11% through 2024, with recent domestic violence statistics indicating that 22-25% of all women will experience domestic assault at some point in their lives. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement:
- In 2019, 105,298 domestic abuse crimes were reported to FL law enforcement agencies, resulting in 66,069 arrests.
- From 2019-20, certified domestic violence centers in the Sunshine State provided 563,721 nights of emergency shelter to 13,250 survivors of intimate partner violence and their children.
- Domestic battery advocates created 153,757 tailored safety plans in 2019, provided a total of 233,602 hours of advocacy and counseling services, and received 73,817 domestic violence hotline calls from individuals seeking emergency services, information, and safety planning assistance.
Domestic Violence Services - Certificate Program
Program Overview
- Certificate Type
- College Credit Certificate (CCC)
- Delivery Method
- Online Only
- Total Credit Hours
- 18
- Academic Community
- Social & Behavioral Sciences & Human Services
- Contact Information
-
Email Program Advisor
321-632-1111Advising Appointments
Domestic Violence Services Certificate - Course Curriculum
You can complete the Domestic Violence Services Certificate as a standalone program or as a specialization under EFSC's Social and Human Services A.S. degree. The program consists of online academic coursework that focuses on domestic violence support training, as well as a three-credit practicum that enables you to gain experience in the field.
Whether you're employed by a domestic violence center or domestic abuse hotline and wish to expand your knowledge through credit coursework, or you're seeking to enter a social work profession without prior experience, Eastern Florida State College's Domestic Violence Services College Credit Certificate (CCC) will teach you to recognize the signs of domestic abuse and family violence as you work to further your career.
Domestic Violence Services Certificate - Admissions Information
The Domestic Violence Services Certificate is an open-access program with rolling admissions. You can submit your application via Eastern Florida's standard enrollment process. As you plan your next steps, we encourage you to contact the program advisor.
Brief Costs and Financial Aid Eligibility
In-state tuition and fees for EFSC’s Domestic Violence Services Certificate total approximately $1,900. You may also be eligible to receive financial aid and scholarships that can decrease your out-of-pocket expenses as you work through the program.
College Courses You Would Take
With the exception of the practicum's field work, which involves hands-on experience, all of the courses in EFSC's Domestic Violence Services Certificate are 100% online.
Here are a few of the courses you'll take:
Explore the dynamics of partner violence, sibling violence, child abuse, and elder abuse while learning skills for work in this field.
Study dysfunctional family traits and characteristics, such as negative parental behavior patterns, neglect, abuse, and mental illness.
Prep for an entry-level practitioner position as you learn from observation and hands-on experience in human services or a community agency.
Why Study Domestic Violence Services at EFSC?
HANDS-ON TRAINING
During your practicum, you'll work under the guidance of social workers, psychologists, sociologists, and other experts in a professional setting, such as a domestic violence shelter, hospital, mental health clinic, or community service agency. As you learn different techniques to assess and assist clients, you'll not only prepare for future employment opportunities, but you'll also have a positive impact on your community.
Experienced Faculty
In addition to their experience as practitioners, EFSC's Domestic Violence Services faculty have run nonprofit organizations, worked as private practice therapists, and served in child and family services positions around the country. Many of our faculty have designed their courses to include skills you'll need in field work with various demographic groups. Throughout your studies, their knowledge and expertise will provide you with a practical foundation in domestic violence support that complements your hands-on employment experience.
Bachelor's Degree option
If you complete EFSC's Domestic Violence Services certificate alongside our Social and Human Services A.S. degree, you'll be eligible to apply for transfer into the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Florida State University (FSU). As you consider this option, be sure to work with an EFSC advisor and reach out to the FSU admissions team to ensure you meet all of the requirements.
Related Associate and Certificate Programs
If you're interested in Domestic Violence Services, we have several other degrees and certificates you might also want to check out. Our academic advisors can help you identify prerequisite courses for these and other programs that Eastern Florida State College offers: