Domestic Violence
Review the Discussion 1 required resources before addressing these questions. Those resources are located in Module 1 under FIRST WEEK in the “Module I – Part 1 Overview and Learning Materials” folder. They are listed under the heading, REQUIRED Discussion Resources. Purpose of Discussion 1 Writing Assignment: To analyze how myths occur, increasing awareness about the types of false beliefs, explanations and definitions about domestic violence. Critically explore how myths relate to and influence the frustration by criminal justice professionals and can lead to revictimization of the victim by our system of justice. Encourages students to think about remedies to prevent revictimization, emphasizing the importance of viewing domestic violence not just as a crime but as a human rights issue.
Assignment questions (6) should be 2 to 3 pages long in paragraph form and not include the instructions/questions.
“Think About it” Videos
• Children Model What They See-Tea Party
• Whose Problem is it?
REQUIRED Video Resources for Discussion 1*
Us versus them | Kim Bogucki | TEDxPennsylvaniaAvenue
Discussion 1 Questions: “Victims and the Criminal Justice Response – Do No Harm: Avoiding Revictimization”
1. What is ONE common belief about domestic violence that you believe is NOT true?
• Why do we believe it and why do you think it is false?
2. What was the most significant message you got from viewing the resource videos on the criminal justice response to victims? Be sure to justify why you viewed it as most significant.
3. What are two things you believe the criminal justice system can do to be more responsive to the needs of domestic violence victims?
• Justify why you chose those two areas as a priority and describe what they will accomplish.
• Which one is your top priority and why?
4. Review the 12 minute film, “Us vs. Them” and explain how the approach presented applies to domestic violence and a criminal justice response. Include an analysis of how the video approach connects to an effective criminal justice response.
5. Global Perspective: On January 28, 2017, the USA Today – The Arizona Republic published an article titled, “Russian parliament decriminalizes domestic violence.” Russia Parliament voted 380 to 3 to decriminalize domestic violence cases when it does not involve “substantial bodily harm” and does not occur more than once a year. In the article, a survey by a state-run pollster found that “19% of Russians said ‘it can be acceptable’ to hit one’s wife, husband or child ‘in certain circumstances.'” For more information go to
• What is your opinion about this article?
• Should we be concerned with what happens in other countries related to domestic violence and victims?
• Is domestic violence a human rights issue? Justify your position.
6. Word Profile: The importance of victim empowerment has been introduced and will be reinforced throughout the class. Empowerment is a broad word and can come in many forms. Helpful Hint – Doing research on the definition of empowerment will be helpful in addressing these questions.
• Why is empowerment important when dealing with domestic violence victims?
• Provide an example of an empowerment approach relate to victims of abuse.
• Describe what it accomplishes and how is promotes empowerment.
