4 Hours / 4 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

The on-demand professional training program on Evidence-Based Treatment of Intimate Partner Abuse is presented by John Hamel, PhD, LCSW.

This program provides a brief overview of current intervention policies on domestic violence and identifies areas needing improvement. This is followed by a review of the extant empirical research on domestic violence's prevalence, causes, dynamics, and consequences, including differences and similarities across sex, sexual orientation, and ethnic minority status. 

The primary focus of the program is on best practices, from a family systems framework, for the assessment and treatment of perpetrators, victims, and their families, based on the presenter’s 30 years of clinical experience working with court-mandated offenders in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as his 20+ years of research on the subject and experience as an expert witness in both criminal and family court settings.

There is an emphasis on reconciling diverse points of view regarding intervention policies and methods so that perpetrators are held accountable, and victim safety is increased while addressing the mental health needs of everyone involved.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe a brief review of the strengths and weaknesses of current intervention policies in domestic violence.
  • 2 Identify 4 of the primary risk factors for the perpetration of intimate partner abuse.
  • 3 Describe 3 ways that intimate partner abuse affects victims and children.
  • 4 Describe at least 2 validated and reliable assessment instruments.
  • 5 Describe a minimum of 3 empirically-supported interventions found to be effective in reducing rates of intimate partner abuse.

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for professionals who work with individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, drawing on both clinical and research expertise to equip participants with skills in assessment, intervention, safety planning, and addressing the mental health needs of both victims and perpetrators. It is relevant for those specializing in working with perpetrators, victims, and families affected by domestic violence, with a focus on increasing safety and providing effective support.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental health professionals (therapists, counselors, psychologists)
    • Child custody evaluators
    • School counselors and educators
    • Law enforcement personnel
    • Social workers and case managers
    • Court and legal professionals
    • Community agency staff working with domestic violence cases

  • Experience Level

    This training is appropriate for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at various stages of experience with domestic violence intervention and assessment.

    • Beginner: Participants new to domestic violence work or family systems approaches who seek foundational knowledge of intervention policies, risk factors, and assessment tools.

    • Intermediate: Participants with some experience in domestic violence cases who wish to deepen their understanding of empirical research, assessment instruments, and best practices for intervention with diverse populations.

    • Advanced: Participants with extensive experience in domestic violence intervention and assessment who are interested in critically evaluating current policies, integrating advanced family systems strategies, and reconciling complex perspectives in practice.

  • Practice Setting

    Participants typically practice in multidisciplinary, trauma-informed, and policy-driven environments that address domestic violence from a family systems perspective, integrating assessment, intervention, and safety planning for victims, perpetrators, and families. Work often occurs within coordinated community responses and court-linked services where accountability, evidence-informed practice, and cultural responsiveness are emphasized to increase safety while meeting mental health needs.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Outpatient mental health clinics and hospital behavioral health units
    • Batterer intervention programs and court-mandated treatment services
    • Family and dependency courts; probation and parole departments
    • Child custody evaluation services and family mediation centers
    • K–12 school counseling offices and district student support services
    • Police departments and victim assistance units
    • Domestic violence shelters, crisis centers, and community-based nonprofits
Presented By

John Hamel, PhD, LCSW

John Hamel, Ph.D., LCSW, a graduated of U.C.L.A. and the University of Central Lancashire, has treated family violence victims and perpetrators since 1992, and has provided expert witness consultation and testimony in numerous criminal and family law cases. Dr. Hamel also a researcher, and the author or editor of several books, including Gender and Domestic Violence: Contemporary Legal Practice and Intervention Reforms (Oxford University Press, 2022), and Gender-Inclusive Treatment of Intimate Partner Abuse: Evidence-Based Approaches, 2nd Edition (Springer, 2014). He is also Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Partner Abuse, and is the founder of the Association of Domestic Violence Intervention Programs (ADVIP). 



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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).

Sponsorship Approval Statements

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), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7190. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Palo Alto University, #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. Palo Alto University 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. Continuing and Professional Studies, Palo Alto University, is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0103. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT), 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. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies, is recognized by 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.