2 Hours / 2 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on COVID-19 and Domestic Violence is presented by Jerrod Brown, Ph.D.

Domestic violence is a complex and significant societal problem and public health issue. During the era of COVID-19, there is growing concern that the psychosocial stressors associated with this global pandemic may increase the risk of domestic violence. This potential escalation in the incidence of domestic violence emphasizes the need for greater awareness of this topic among professionals working within criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings. 

Grounded in the available research literature on domestic violence and COVID-19, this program (a) identifies possible causes and associated consequences and (b) reviews screening and intervention options appropriate for those directly and indirectly impacted by domestic violence during this worldwide pandemic. 

Other important topics considered throughout this training include barriers to domestic violence disclosure, chaotic household dynamics, economic uncertainty, home confinement, housing instability, impact on children who witness family violence, loneliness, psychiatric comorbidity, relational conflict, sleep deprivation, social isolation, substance misuse, and employment uncertainty. Case studies and professional observations are highlighted throughout this program to enhance the learning outcomes of attendees.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe the warning signs, risk factors, and definitional features of domestic violence
  • 2 Describe how psychosocial stressors associated with COVID-19 may increase the risk of domestic violence
  • 3 Describe screening options for those impacted by domestic violence
  • 4 Describe appropriate intervention, protective, and resilience factors for those impacted by domestic violence
  • 5 Describe empirically-based research findings and current gaps in knowledge of domestic violence during the era of COVID-19

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for mental health and allied professionals who encounter domestic violence in their practice. It is suitable for individuals at all career stages, from early-career to experienced practitioners, and is particularly relevant for those specializing in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, social work, or related fields with a focus on family violence and trauma. The program is applicable to professionals working in clinical, forensic, criminal justice, and community-based settings.

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable for all career stages: entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professionals.

    • Suitable for those seeking foundational knowledge or advanced skills in addressing domestic violence

  • Practice Setting

    • Mental health professionals (psychologists, counselors, therapists)
    • Allied professionals (social workers, case managers, nurses)
    • Forensic and clinical psychologists
    • Professionals specializing in family violence and trauma
    • Practitioners in criminal justice or community-based organizations

Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD

Jerrod Brown, PhD, is the Treatment Director for Pathways Counseling Center, Inc., the lead developer of an online Master of Arts degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS), and the Editor-in-Chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST) and the Journal of Special Populations (JSP).

View More Programs from this Presenter
Jerrod Brown, PhD

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Identify possible causes and associated consequences.

  • Review screening and intervention options for those impacted by domestic violence during the pandemic.

  • Barriers to domestic violence disclosure

  • Chaotic household dynamics and relational conflict

  • Economic uncertainty, employment uncertainty, and housing instability

  • Home confinement

  • Impact on children who witness family violence

  • Loneliness, social isolation, and sleep deprivation

  • Substance misuse

  • Psychiatric comorbidity

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.