VC-1012
LOSS, MOURNING, GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT AFTER INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE, CRIME AND SUDDEN TRAUMATIC DEATH


COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Loss, mourning, grief and bereavement are experienced by everyone along the continuum of life. However, when death occurs as a result of interpersonal violence, crime or other sudden traumatic death, adaptive coping and maintenance of proactive mental health can be derailed in the chaotic aftermath and potentially lead to complicated grief. The multifaceted issues related to loss, grief and bereavement are both uniquely and simultaneously personal and family experiences which often remain discussed in whispers and behind closed doors. An enhanced awareness of the foundational underpinnings of adaptive grief and bereavement, particularly after sudden violent death, can provide for expanded assessment and targeted intervention and referral.


OBJECTIVES:

Examine definitions for loss, grief, mourning and bereavement

Compare and contrast adaptive coping and complicated grief

Identify the bio-psycho-social factors related to sudden and/or violent loss

Explore ongoing stigma, myths, stereotypes and misunderstandings related to sudden, violent and crime-related death

Expand assessment of survivor trauma and identify appropriate interventions and need for referral



INSTRUCTORS BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Dr. Paul T. Clements is a forensic psychiatric / mental health specialist from Virginia Beach, VA. One of his former positions includes Assistant Director/Bereavement Therapist at The Homicide Bereavement Center at the Office of the Medical Examiner in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he provided crisis intervention and ongoing counseling to families confronted by the sudden violent death of a loved one. He is an experienced therapist, trainer, consultant, and critical incident/trauma response specialist with almost 15 years experience in management and direct care. Dr. Clements has provided counseling and crisis intervention to over 1500 families of murder victims, as well as to high numbers of surviving family members in the aftermath of suicide, industrial and occupational deaths, motor vehicle accidents, sudden infant death syndrome, and other types of sudden violent death, as well as to survivors of interpersonal violence such as sexual abuse, rape, stalking and arson. Dr. Clements has numerous publications and conference presentations regarding coping after violent death and exposure to interpersonal violence and crime. He is an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse (APRN-BC) with national board certification as a Specialist in Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Nursing. Dr. Clements holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychiatric Forensic Nursing from The University of Pennsylvania. He has conducted research involving traumatic presentations and behaviors in children exposed to the homicide of a family member. Dr. Clements is a Distinguished Fellow in the International Association of Forensic Nurses.


Walter Mikac lost his family at Australia's largest mass murder in 1996. Since then, Walter, a pharmacist, has become a professional speaker and an acclaimed author of several books relating to surviving sudden traumatic loss. He is also the founder of the Alannah and Madeleine Foundation, a charity established in memory of his wife and two daughters who were all killed in the spree shootings at Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia (during which a gunman took 35 lives within a matter of a few hours). Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, is the foundation's international patron. The AMF's chief function is to assist the victims of sudden crime and death. It also runs a highly successful anti-bullying program in primary schools throughout Australia- a model that Princess Mary is planning to take back to Denmark. Walter has been named an Australian National "Living Treasure", (National Trust of Australia -1997), in recognition of his achievements in helping other victims of violent crime. Walter successfully lobbied the Government for tighter gun control resulting in a uniform national gun policy in 1996. He is the patron of the Australian Centre of Grief and Bereavement. Walter's motivational speaking has touched many from school children to corporate executives as he shares his message of overcoming adversity and turning crisis into contribution.


WHO MAY TAKE THIS COURSE: Those who work with (or interested in working with) survivors (Individuals, families or communities) exposed to death related to intepersonal violence, crime or other sudden traumatic circumstances.


PREREQUISITES: None


METHOD OF COURSE OFFERING: This online course consists of asynchronous co-instructor led discussions, with an international and multilevel approach (instructors from USA and Australia), interactive forums, and independent study.


TEACHING METHOD: The course will be taught using a variety of methods of instruction including: international co-instructor moderated online asynchronous discussions via Blackboard, power point presentations, assigned readings, case study examination, two professional papers and in class group activities.


CONTACT HOURS: 30


CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION: Upon completion of the course study, course evaluation submission and examination passing score of 70%, the student will receive an official embossed Certificate of Completion verifying continuing education hours.


METHOD OF GRADING AND EVALUATION SCALE:

Paper #1: 35%
Paper #2: 35%
Weekly Discussions: 30%


COURSE DURATION: 6 Weeks


START DATE: See course calendar


COURSE FEE: $295.00
Note: Course fee does not include required textbook or other recommended course materials. Upon receipt and processing of course payment you will receive an e-mail payment confirmation of your enrollment. 24 Hours prior to the course opening, you will receive an e-mail consisting of a Blackboard tutorial link, a link to the course, a username, password and student ID.


REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS:
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Cox, G.R., Bendiksen, R.A., & Stevenson, R.G. (2000). Complicated Grieving and Bereavement: Understanding and Treating People Experiencing Loss. Amityville, NY: Baywood Publishing.
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Doka, K. (Ed.) Living with grief after sudden loss: Suicide, homicide, accident, heart attack, stroke. Washington, DC: Hospice Foundation of America.
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Mikac, W. & Simpson, L. (1997). To Have and to Hold. Australia: Macmillan.
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SUGGESTED COURSE MATERIALS: n/a
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Note: Automatic registration occurs when paying for course