ABUSE AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN

[714ME]
a.a. 2025/2026

Full year

Frequency Mandatory

  • 1 CFU
  • 12 hours
  • Italian
  • Trieste
  • Opzionale
  • Standard teaching
  • Oral Exam
  • SSD M-PSI/05
  • Free-choice subject
Curricula: COMMON
Syllabus

The general objective of the course is to bring attention to the phenomenon of violence against women and children and its relevance as a public health problem.
At the end of the course, in accordance with the Dublin Descriptors, in order to pass the exam, the student must demonstrate that:
1. Knowledge and understanding: Knowing and understanding the socio-health dimensions, characteristics and dynamics that underlie violence against women and children
2. Applied knowledge and understanding: Application of correct contrast and intervention strategies in the different working contexts of nursing profession
3. Making judgements: Develop the ability to evaluate and respond effectively to signs of violence, even when it is not explicit
4. Communication skills: Use empathic communication methods paying particular attention to both verbal and non-verbal aspects
5. Ability to learn: Being able to integrate the information provided in class with other authoritative information sources as well as to self-assess one's level of preparation and ability to deal with situations related to violence against women and children

There are no prerequisites to attend the course

Gender stereotypes
Social and cognitive process
Overview of the phenomenon of violence against women and children
- Forms of violence and abuse
- Health aspects of violence against women and children
- Role of social and health workers
- Response from the Institutions
- Prevention, treatment and rehabilitation

Romito P., Folla N., Melato M. (2017). La violenza sulle donne e sui minori. Una guida per chi lavora sul campo. Carocci Faber Editore
Romito P. (2011).
Un silenzio assordante. La violenza occultata su donne e minori. FrancoAngeli Editore (optional)
Slides and notes
If the desire to delve deeper into a specific topic is expressed, the student will be individually responded to with the suggestion of texts related to the request.

Gender Stereotypes
Cognitive and social processes that fuel gender stereotypes
Gender stereotypes associated with discrimination and violence
Statistics and epidemiological data on gender-based violence
Theoretical models: ecological model
Risk and protective factors: individual, family, social, and cultural.
Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions.
Empowerment approaches for victims: psychological support and social reintegration.
The role of healthcare professionals
Self-help groups
Response of Institutions: Legislation, Anti-Violence Centers
Types of child abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect.
Psychological and behavioral consequences of abuse.
The role of the family: protection or risk factor?
Indicators of abuse: physical and behavioral signs.

The course includes mainly frontal teaching, with the active participation of the students, with the support of slides.

The materials used by the teacher during the course will be available on the Moodle and/or MS Teams platform.
Any Erasmus students / non-attending students are invited to contact the teacher
The lessons are held in person and are recorded.
The recordings are available on the University platform.
Students with special needs (affected by particular disabilities, workers, athletes, "adults" (not recent graduates), parents, prisoners) who are, permanently or temporarily, in particular conditions that make it impossible to follow the lessons in person, will be allowed to connect remotely upon request of this attendance method to the teacher. The request, for which the student assumes personal responsibility, must be sent via email to the teacher well in advance of the start of the lessons.
The University information on digital teaching is published at the link https://www.units.it/studenti/didattica-digitale

The exam consists of a written test consisting of three open-ended questions lasting 40 minutes to assess the knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the course.
The outcome of the exam has an approved / not approved criterion.

This course explores topics closely related to one or more goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Ref. Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Ref. Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Ref. Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls
Ref. Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries

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