Course curriculum

    1. How to use this course

    1. Course Description and Learning Objective

    2. About the Instructor

    3. Continuing Education (CE) Information

    4. Course FAQ

    5. Disclaimer and Course Requirements

    1. Prep Quiz

    2. Slide Deck

    3. Safety Plan

    4. Ethical Dilemmas in IPV(REPLAY)

    5. References

    1. Directions for Quiz and Certificate

    2. Quiz

    3. Evaluation

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About this course

  • 15 lessons

Course Description

Ethical Dilemmas When Working with Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Clients


Millions of people in the United States are affected by Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) each year. It is a form of abuse or aggression that can occur in any type of romantic relationship, including marriages and serious and casual dating partnerships. IPV can include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse, and can seriously impact a person’s daily living and health and well-being. More than bruises and scars, the signs of IPV are not always visibly seen. Many people are suffering from conditions such as depression, anxiety, isolation, low self-esteem, and alcoholism as a result of IPV. The short and long-term damaging effects can affect anyone exposed to IPV.


This course provides mental health professionals and therapists with a comprehensive understanding of the ethical challenges they may encounter when working with clients affected by intimate partner violence (IPV). Participants will explore complex ethical dilemmas, including confidentiality, mandated reporting, client autonomy, and managing dual relationships. The course will use current best practices to equip participants with the tools to navigate these dilemmas while maintaining a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and client-centered approach.

This is an intermediate-level course and there are no specific prerequisites for this course. The course is open to social workers and other mental health professionals, students, and individuals interested in gaining knowledge and skills related to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Providing a Path to Healing.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to ...


  • Identify and describe common ethical dilemmas faced by mental health professionals when working with IPV clients.
  • Apply trauma-informed care principles to resolve ethical issues while maintaining client safety and autonomy.
  • Assess the balance between confidentiality and mandatory reporting laws in IPV cases.
  • Develop strategies to manage dual relationships and maintain professional boundaries in IPV scenarios.
  • Analyze case studies to practice ethical decision-making that aligns with professional codes of ethics and legal obligations.



Outline ( hour breakdown)

  • 0:00-0:05 mins: Trainer Introduction + Learning objectives


  • 0:05-0:30 mins: Introduction to IPV and Ethics, 
    Common Ethical Dilemmas in IPV Work, 

  • Trauma-Informed Care in Ethical Decision-Making


  • 0:30-0:60mins: Case Study 1: Reporting Dilemma
    Case Study 2: Dual Relationships and Boundaries 
    Best Practices for Ethical Decision-Making



  • 1:00-1:10hr: Conclusion + Summary
    1:10-1:15hr: Closing & Evaluation


Lead Trainer

Executive Director Sharea Farmer, LCSW

Sharea Farmer is the Founder and Executive Director of RS Counseling & Wellness with over 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker. Her expertise in both clinical and administration has allowed her to work in the private and public sectors as an advocate for employee wellness, Diversity & Inclusion, Race Equity, and Trauma-Informed Practices. Her unique practice that focuses on empowerment and education creates transformative wellness for her clients that range from executive leadership teams to supervisors to staff. RS Wellness has developed employee resilience plans and trauma-informed care programs for state and public health agencies, as well as educational groups, both locally and nationally. Sharea received a BA in Sociology from Rider University and a Master’s of Social Work from Rutgers. She is an adjunct professor at Rutgers where she’s been teaching since 2014. She is on the World Childhood Foundation Advisory Board for a two-year term from 2021-2023. On the board, she’ll have the chance to use the Equity & Inclusion lens to determine program eligibility for funding in the area of preventing sexual exploitation and abuse of children. Sharea lives in New Jersey with her husband. She enjoys all things basketball, live NBA games, traveling, coloring, and spending time with family and friends. Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the States of New Jersey #44SC05650200

Certificates will be awarded after completion of the full Webinar and course evaluation.

Radiant Sunshine, #1403, 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. Radiant Sunshine maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 2/28/23 to 2/28/2026  Social workers completing this course receive 3-clinical continuing education credits. 

Find out whether your state or province accepts ACE approval.

Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP):

Radiant Sunshine has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7371. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.

Select your state to find continuing education requirements.

REQUIREMENTS BY STATE 

STATE BOARD INFORMATION

Refund Policy:   No refund will be given for the purchase of any course or webinar. 

 We accommodate persons with disabilities. Please email [email protected] for more information if disability accommodations are needed.

For more information contact: [email protected]

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