How to Become a Certified Domestic Abuse Counselor

"One in four women will experience domestic abuse or violence."

The most important job duty of a domestic abuse counselor is to work with people to reduce violence and/or abuse in a family situation. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, "85 percent of domestic violence victims are women and one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime." The NCADV also says, "It is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background."

Instructions

1. Make absolutely sure that this is the career path that you want to follow. Remember you are there to assist the individual who are seeking help. However, it will be impossible to save everyone from their circumstances if they themselves are not ready to change. You will hear countless stories of horrific abuse and violence, maybe even things that you never before fathomed beyond a horror movie. Also to see the black eyes, broken bones and other injuries will not only pose a professional challenge but will also be emotionally taxing. You must be of sound mind and spirit yourself to deal with things like this on a daily basis.

2. Decide in what demographic do you want to practice. Do you want to provide counseling services to families, to women or just to children? It is definitely a possibility to treat any and all clients that come to you. However, it may behoove you to choose a specialty for your practice, such as children and adolescents, battered women or maybe even marriage counseling. Choosing a specialty may assist with growing a greater clientele as well, if you choose to practice privately.

3. Attend any available volunteer training sessions at a domestic violence center in your area. This will assist you in understanding what your new career will entail. You will gather great knowledge from your books and your studies. However, doing some volunteer research will give you a hands-on information that will perhaps prove more valuable than any text. Research shelters in your area that may offer domestic violence courses that focus on teaching awareness training, negotiation and many other skills that are necessary to pursue a career in domestic abuse counseling.

4. Complete an undergraduate degree program in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field. The education requirements to become a certified domestic abuse counselor my vary between states as well as employers. However a combination of both education and perhaps some type of experience will be necessary for most employers. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in family counseling, domestic abuse counseling, social work or any other type of behavioral science will greatly increase your chances for a successful career. According to the Bureau of labor Statistics, many states also require a graduate degree in counseling or social work to become licensed as a counselor or family therapist.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember your role as a counselor is to listen, counsel and advocate for the victim. Do not put yourself in harm's way by trying to confront the batterer, that is not part of your job.

References

• NCADV: Domestic Violence Facts
• US Dept of Labor: Counselors
• All Psychology Careers: Domestic Violence Counseling Career

Resources

• All Psychology Schools: Why Choose a Career in Counseling