Family Violence Distance Learning Course provides health care professionals opportunity for continuing education credits

The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence and Columbus State Community College have partnered to develop a Family Violence distance learning course that provides nurses, physicians, social workers, counselors and marriage and family therapists the opportunity to earn continuing education credits. Participants can complete course requirements while at work or home in one or several sessions. With ever increasing responsibilities and staff shortages in many organizations, alternatives to earning continuing education credits are becoming more and more critical.

This is the first interactive course on this topic. The course provides participants the opportunity to view lectures, participate in pre- and post-tests and review case studies to reinforce learning. Current state legislation, sample assessment and documentation forms are also available with a list of local and national resources.

Upon completing the course, participants will have a solid understanding of family violence and the complexities that surround identifying, disclosing and reporting this serious social problem. The course begins with an overview of family violence. This overview emphasizes the definition of family and the multiple types of family violence that can occur in a single household. Also included are modules regarding domestic violence, elder abuse and child abuse. Each module provides an overview of the topic including history, definitions and characteristics of the abuse. The importance of screening and assessing all patients/clients are discussed in each section of the course. Sample forms and techniques for documenting incidences of family violence are also provided.

Six contact hours are being offered for registered nurses by Columbus State Community College Nursing and Related Services (OH-180) an approved provider of continuing education by the Ohio Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation (OBN-001-91). Additionally, Columbus State is offering CEUs for the following:

• Social Workers (Ohio only) (5 CEUs)
• Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists (Ohio only) (5 CEUs)
• International Association of Continuing Education Training (5 CEUs)
• American Academy of Family Physicians (3.5 CEUs)

Individuals seeking to learn more about family violence can take the course at no charge. If seeking Continuing Education Credits (CEU), participants will need to submit a registration form that is available online upon completion of the course. Participants seeking credit will be charged only $25. To access the course, please visit http://global.cscc.edu/CEWD/DV/index.asp. For technical assistance, please send an email to global@cscc.edu.

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	Countywide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Emergency Department Protocols		Franklin County Domestic Violence Death Review Panel

The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians offers an online resource guide: Identifying and Managing Family Abuse and Violence: A Series for Family Physicians. Visit the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians web site for more information.