Illinois Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault 1 CE

At the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Define domestic violence and sexual assault in their various forms
• Understand the prevalence of such incidents on the state and national level
• Identify physical signs and behavioral indications that a client may be experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault
• Respond appropriately and with support to clients who may be victims of domestic violence or sexual assault
• Understand ethical as well as legal responsibilities including mandatory reporting and the concepts around client confidentiality
• Be aware of local and state resources available to refer clients for further assistance and support

Domestic violence and sexual assault takes on a number of different forms. Understanding the different types of domestic violence is important for massage therapists who might ultimately find themselves working with a client suffering under such circumstances. 

While the term “domestic violence” most often leads you to believe that abuse or violence only takes place inside a home, these situations always affect all areas of a person’s life. Domestic violence and/or abuse is not only found in the home, but is found in the work environment, school, business, or social setting. Domestic violence and sexual assault can occur anytime and anywhere. 

Statistics from the National Domestic Violence Hotline provide a number of workplace statistics regarding domestic violence. Within the five-year span between 2003 and 2008, approximately 33% of women killed in a workplace were killed by a former or current intimate partner.