Programme level (NFQ): 8
The Duration is: One Semester
Credits: 20
In 2024 the RiVeR Project carried out a mixed methods evaluation of an accredited multidisciplinary Certificate in the Fundamentals of Understanding and Responding to Domestic Abuse (FURDA) programme and evaluation of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) stakeholder education and training needs.
The overall aim of this study was to evaluate how well a multidisciplinary Domestic Abuse programme was working and what, if any, amendments need to be made to inform future DkIT programmes in the area of DSGBV and to evaluate stakeholder education and training needs in this area. The evaluation involved 4 discrete strands:
- Strand 1: Interviews with programme graduates
- Strand 2: Survey of current students.
- Strand 3: Survey of the 15 facilitators who teach on the DkIT FURDA programme.
- Strand 4: Stakeholders needs in relation to education and training in the area of DSGBV were evaluated using a live, interactive, anonymous Vevox poll and voluntary discussion during a designated workshop as part of a RiVeR project Community of Practice event in DkIT on 19th January 2024. Vevox allows participation from an entire audience simultaneously using their mobile phones thereby allowing all opinions to be captured. (For more information on Vevox see: https://www.vevox.com/)
Based on the findings, a multi-disciplinary team including expert stakeholders developed the ‘Certificate in the Fundamentals of Understanding and Responding to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence’ programme and this vas validated on May 1st 2024
Programme overview
This programme will be of particular interest to those individuals whose work may bring them into contact with victims of DSGBV. This programme aims to facilitate learners with a critical foundation in, and understanding of, the principles; concepts; theories; applications and contexts of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence through a trauma-informed lens. It will provide learners with a clear and current body of relevant and current knowledge; information, terminology and definitions; academic and practical sources and case studies; and examples of evidence, so that they may develop their skills and apply these in their career and/or professional practice in the context of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
Over the duration of this programme students will:
- Review and analyse the theoretical, policy and social context of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
- Discuss the concept of coercive control and the associated preventative and intervention efforts to combat it.
- Critically consider the psycho-social perspective of children and adolescents experiences of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
- Appraise the importance of an intersectional and trauma-informed approach to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
- Evaluate relevant legislation underpinning Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.
- Critically discuss the evidence base underpinning awareness and recognition of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
- Critically reflect on the concept and practice of self-care in work-related contexts.
- Demonstrate the application of best practice in responding to, and referring, victims/survivors of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Course Delivery and Modules
Blended Delivery- The programme is delivered on Fridays, via weekly live on line lectures (from 09.00hrs to 16.30hrs for 6 days); Face to Face on campus in DkIT (09.00hrs to 16.30hrs for 4 days); and directed study days/course work (3 days).
Fees and Funding
The DkIT RiVeR project (Funded by the Higer Education Authority) will offer a Scholarship to Five applicants per intake of the ‘Certificate in Fundamentals of Understanding and Responding to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence’ programme in Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). The Scholarship will cover the fee for the programme which is €750
