UNIC Launches Specialised Online Course on Domestic Violence Recognition for Healthcare Professionals
The University of Nicosia announces the launch of a specialised online course titled ‘Abuse Recognition & Support in Healthcare: A Quick Guide for Physiotherapists’. This initiative, developed under the Erasmus+ OPEP-DV Project, offers professional education for physiotherapists and healthcare professionals on domestic violence recognition and support.
Course Overview
Duration: 19 December 2024 – 15 February 2025 (8 weeks)
Format: Self-paced online learning Certification: 26 hours of continuous education
Cost: Free
The programme equips healthcare professionals with practical tools to identify signs of domestic abuse and provide appropriate support to patients. Through interactive learning methods, participants develop essential skills in violence recognition, risk assessment and intervention strategies.
Learning Objectives
Participants will learn to:
- Identify signs and patterns of domestic abuse
- Implement effective screening tools
- Develop risk assessment strategies
- Create safety planning protocols
- Address professional challenges, including burnout prevention
Programme Structure
Four comprehensive modules deliver targeted learning:
- Understanding Domestic Violence
o Types and forms of abuse
o Recognition of warning signs
o Impact assessment - Screening and Identification
o Professional screening tools
o Documentation procedures
o Communication strategies - Intervention Strategies
o Risk assessment methodology
o Safety planning
o Support mechanisms - Professional Development
o Managing secondary trauma
o Burnout prevention
o Ongoing support strategies
Assessment
Framework Course completion requires:
- Minimum 61% score on all weekly assignments
- Overall grade of 71% or higher
- Completion of all components by 15 February 2025
Grade Distribution: Module I Quiz (10%) | Module II Quiz (20%) | Scenario Game (20%) | Module IV Quiz (10%) | Forum Discussion (20%) | Final Exam (20%).
Project Partnership
Led by the University of Tartu, Estonia, this international collaboration includes:
- Women’s Support and Information Centre, Estonia
- Union of Women Associations of Heraklion Prefecture, Greece
- Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies, Cyprus
- M&M Profuture Training, S.L., Spain
- Tartu Health Care College, Estonia
The University of Nicosia’s role, through its Physiotherapy Programme and collaboration with the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies (MIGS), focuses on ensuring widespread access to this vital training across Cyprus and the broader healthcare community.
Participant Feedback
Previous participants highlight the course’s comprehensive coverage of crucial topics, including the Istanbul Convention, and its practical value in professional healthcare settings.
Registration
Contact Information
Course Coordinators:
Dr Christina Michailidou
Academic Coordinator, Physiotherapy Programme,
[email protected]
Dr Christina Kaili
Project Coordinator of the OPEP DV Erasmus+ project in Cyprus,
Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies,
[email protected]
