EVALUATION STUDY OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY SOCIAL WORK AND LAW CURRICULUM FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Abstract

This article evaluates the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary social work and law curriculum for domestic violence. A pretest–posttest control group design with both law and social work students indicates that the course effectively increased: (1) knowledge about domestic violence theory and practice and differential roles, duties, and privileges of lawyers and social workers, and (2) positive attitudes about interdisciplinary work; and reduced (3) myths and stereotypes about domestic violence. Implications for interdisciplinary teaching and domestic violence services are discussed.