Course Overview
This 40-hour, video-based training is designed for professionals who want foundational preparation in the standards, practices, and treatment approaches used in domestic violence offender programs. The training is structured to meet the education requirements outlined in California Penal Code 1203.098 for facilitating court-certified Batterer’s Intervention Programs in California. It was initially approved by the Facilitator Training Committee of the San Diego Domestic Violence Council, and the provider states that the rigor of the California training may also make it useful for learners in other states or countries, subject to local requirements.
The course is delivered through approximately five workshop days of video instruction, with each day representing about 8 hours of training. In addition to the video lessons, participants complete a summary of learning, a quiz, and an evaluation for each day. Registered learners receive access to the course videos, PowerPoint presentations, and supplemental materials.
This training is intended to build the core knowledge and practical skills needed to work within the domestic violence treatment system and broader DV community. According to the course site, learners who complete the training and who also meet the necessary educational prerequisites may be qualified to facilitate court-mandated 52-week domestic violence offender groups.
Important note: the course site states that some counties do not accept video-based trainings for the 40-hour requirement. Prospective students should confirm local acceptance before enrolling.
Topics Required by Law
This training is organized to cover the subject areas required by law, including:
- 8 hours of domestic violence knowledge
- 8 hours of domestic violence group content
- 8 hours of culture and domestic violence
- 4 hours of law and ethics in domestic violence
- 4 hours of substance abuse and domestic violence
- 4 hours of intake and assessment
- 4 hours of group facilitation
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this training, participants are expected to be able to:
Foundations of Domestic Violence
- Explain key historical influences on how domestic violence is understood today.
- Describe how domestic violence is defined in professional and community settings.
- Distinguish among multiple forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, social, financial, spiritual, and animal abuse.
- Describe the three phases of the cycle of violence.
Clinical Approaches and Group Treatment
- Describe motivational interviewing techniques used in domestic violence groups.
- Explain major elements of cognitive behavioral therapy as an evidence-based approach for domestic violence offender treatment.
- Describe characteristics of domestic violence offender groups.
- Evaluate key components of effective group facilitation.
- Explain the differences among the stages of group therapy.
- Describe solution-focused brief therapy techniques relevant to domestic violence treatment.
- Explain why self-care is important for counselors working in this area.
Intake, Assessment, and Best Practices
- Describe assessment practices used in domestic violence offender groups.
- Explain major steps in the interview process.
- Identify paperwork requirements commonly completed during intake.
- Identify assessment questionnaires commonly used for DVRP intakes.
- Describe intake procedures required by law.
- Explain best-practice considerations for high-quality intake and assessment.
Victim Impact, Safety, and Trauma
- Identify ways domestic violence affects children and adults.
- Describe how trauma impacts the brain.
- Explain common reasons victims remain in violent relationships.
- Identify key principles related to victim safety.
- Explain the role of a coordinated community response.
- Describe major elements of trauma-informed care.
Law, Courts, and Community Systems
- Describe key aspects of temporary restraining orders.
- Explain law enforcement response situations that can result in arrest.
- Distinguish between different plea outcomes in criminal court.
- Explain the concept of reasonable doubt and why it matters in conviction.
- Identify common penal code charges related to domestic violence.
- Identify types of domestic violence crimes under 273.5 PC.
Social, Cultural, and Family Dynamics
- Identify ways gender roles and socialization can influence domestic violence.
- Describe the elements of multigenerational abuse.
- Describe cultural factors that contribute to domestic violence.
- Discuss patterns of abuse influenced by society.
- Identify cultural barriers that can negatively affect treatment.
- Compare how societal factors may shape domestic violence treatment across different cultures.
Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Issues
- Describe how to identify substance dependence.
- Explain how substance abuse affects functioning and behavior.
- Describe the relationship between substance abuse and domestic violence.
- Discuss treatment options for individuals with addictions.
- Identify elements of a Level II program for DV offenders with a substance abuse disorder.
Recovery and Program Effectiveness
- Explain benefits of a recovery-oriented approach in domestic violence treatment.
- Describe the skills and practices that support effective participation in Batterer’s Intervention Programs and the broader DV system.
Training Approvals
According to the course site, this training meets the educational requirements under California Penal Code 1203.098 and is approved by the Facilitators Committee of the San Diego DV Council. The site also states that the course meets the qualifications for continuing education hours for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, and that Rhombus is approved by CAMFT to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, and LPCCs while maintaining responsibility for the program and its content.
Awarding of CE Credit
Participants who complete the full 40 hours of video training, submit all required summaries of learning, complete each quiz and evaluation, and provide proof of identification will receive a Certificate of CE Credit at the conclusion of the training.
Procedure for Filing a Grievance
Rhombus states that it aims to maintain a professional, educational, and respectful relationship with participants. Anyone with a grievance or concern may contact the organization by email at info@rhombusce.com or use the grievance form referenced on the course page, and Rhombus states it will respond as quickly as appropriate to the situation.
Accommodations for Disability
Participants who need accommodations are directed to contact Rhombus by phone at 858-848-1766 or by email at info@rhombusce.com. The site states that every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate disabilities or other unique circumstances, and that if a particular need cannot be met, Rhombus will try to identify alternative training options and provide referrals.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
The course site states that, as a general policy, refunds are not provided when a registrant cancels. Participants may email a request for consideration in unusual circumstances, but no refund is guaranteed and at least a minimum cancellation fee may apply. If Rhombus cancels the training, the site states that a full refund will be issued within 7 days of cancellation.
Proof of Identification
Before a certificate is issued, participants must provide proof of identification. The site states that this can be completed through a Zoom livestream with a Rhombus staff member or by another method approved by Rhombus staff. Questions can be directed to [email protected] or 858-848-1766.
Accreditation
Rhombus states that it is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs, and that it maintains responsibility for this course and its content. The site also states that the course qualifies for 40 hours of continuing education credit for these license types as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What education do I need before taking this training?
The course site says that anyone may take the training, but that in most states a person would typically need at least a Bachelor’s degree to facilitate domestic violence offender groups. It also notes that each state may have additional requirements.
What can I use this certification for?
The site says the most common purpose is to meet the educational requirement for facilitating court-mandated 52-week DV offender groups, also known as Batterer’s Intervention Programs. It also notes that some learners take the training to deepen their understanding of domestic violence or strengthen their ability to help both offenders and victims.
Will this training be accepted in my state?
The site states that the training meets qualifications in California and was approved by the Facilitator’s Committee of the San Diego DV Council. It also says that, because California and San Diego standards are rigorous, the training is likely to meet or exceed the requirements of many other states, though prospective students are encouraged to verify local acceptance.
Can I use this training to become a DV victim advocate?
The site says this training was specifically developed for those facilitating court-mandated DV offender groups. It also notes that there is a separate but similar training for those working with DV victims, though some overlap in topics may make this training relevant in certain settings.
Do I have to complete all 40 hours at one time?
No. The course site states that participants may move at their own pace and take as long as needed to complete the full 40 hours of video instruction.
How do I know Rhombus is a real organization before I pay?
The site directs prospective students to Rhombus-related websites, including GoRhombus, Rhombus University, San Diego DVRP, and Rhombus Counseling, and also invites people to call and speak with Dr. Julie Hayden or another member of the Rhombus team at 858-848-1766.