ICH010 - IBWC Supporting Someone in the Perinatal Period Who is Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence

Course Description

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is not always visible, but its impacts are profound. Birth support people are often one of the few consistent, trusted supports that pregnant people have access to, making your role essential in recognizing and responding to signs of IPV. This course invites you to explore how interpersonal violence shows up in relationships, how it affects mental and physical health during pregnancy, and how systemic and intergenerational trauma shape disclosures and healing. You will be introduced to trauma-and-violence-informed, culturally grounded tools for support and care, including safety planning, active listening, and connection to culturally safe resources. 

TRC Calls to Action

Health #18, #19, #20, #22, and #23

This course supports the TRC Calls to Action in the health sector. This course exists today because of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action supporting Indigenous health.

Learning Outcomes

Learners will gain the knowledge, understanding, skills, abilities, attitude, and awareness to:

1. Identify physical, emotional, psychological, and financial signs of intimate partner violence (IPV).
2. Explain different forms of IPV and their impacts.
3. Explain how colonization, trauma, and systemic barriers shape IPV experiences in Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
4. Apply trauma-and-violence-informed and culturally grounded skills to support birthers experiencing IPV, including safety planning and referrals.
5. Recognize the importance of personal boundaries and self-care to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to recognize diverse signs of intimate partner violence (IPV), including physical, emotional, psychological, and financial indicators.
• Understanding of the different forms of IPV and how they can uniquely impact individuals during the perinatal period.
• Awareness of how colonization, intergenerational trauma, and systemic inequities shape IPV experiences in Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
• Skills in trauma-and-violence-informed, culturally grounded support practices, including how to engage in safety planning and make appropriate, respectful referrals.
• Competence in setting and maintaining personal boundaries to ensure emotional sustainability in support work.

Summary

• Number of hours: 4 hours total 

• Assessment: To pass the course, learners must achieve a score of 80% or higher on the Knowledge Check, which allows multiple attempts. An incomplete course will count as a fail.

• Previous education required: None; this course does not have a required prerequisite.

• Delivery: Online, self-paced

• Completion timeline: Within 180 days from when you enroll in the course.

• Applies toward the following certificates: Beginner in Perinatal Support Professional MicroCredential, Intermediate in Perinatal Support Professional MicroCredential, Advanced in Perinatal Support Professional MicroCredential, or Advanced Perinatal Support Professional MicroCertificate.

FAQ's

Is this course for everyone?

• Yes, this course is relevant to anyone interested in creating an environment to support a positive birth experience.

What is the scope of this course?

• This course can be used as continuing education related to supporting the birth process. This, along with other IBWC MicroBadges, works toward a MicroCredential and MicroCertificate.

Some individuals and organizations may be GST-exempt.

• First Nations University of Canada is situated on the Star Blanket First Nation and is exempt from Provincial Sales Tax (PST). If you or your organization are exempt from Government Sales Tax (GST), please get in touch with icec@firstnationsuniversity.ca to ensure that your invoice is prepared accordingly.

I need financial support. What funding options does ICEC recommend?

• Check out our Funding Opportunities here. 

Who do I contact if I need help?

• Check out ICEC's Learner Support page to see if your question is answered in the FAQs. If your question remains unresolved, feel free to complete the form with your question, or you may contact icec@firstnationsuniversity.ca for assistance with any questions. We are here to help! Support requests are received during regular office hours. Please expect a response within 24 to 48 hours. 

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Advanced in Perinatal Support Professional MicroCredential : Advanced in Perinatal Support Professional Micro-Credential
• Beginner in Perinatal Support Professional MicroCredential : Beginner in Perinatal Support Professional Micro-Credential
• Intermediate in Perinatal Support Professional MicroCredential : Intermediate in Perinatal Support Professional Micro-Credential