Tuesday, February 25, 2020

About the Victim’s Impact Panel for Domestic Violence Intervention


woman standing alone in front of a sunset
Picking up the pieces after the resolution of a domestic violence case is never easy. Regardless, the next step to take is to move on and carry out the terms of sentencing. As part of your sentence, the judge may order you to attend a victim’s impact panel. This program may be part of larger, court-approved domestic violence classes. Online and in-person, these interventions are hosted to show perpetrators of abuse how their decisions and actions can negatively affect others.

Victim’s impact panels are meant to teach others. They allow victims of domestic violence, drunk driving, and other crimes to share their stories and tell others how inappropriate and criminal behavior has affected their lives. Given the scope and content of these panels, they give a voice to the hurt and may highlight avenues to healing.

While it is never easy for victims to share their experiences, these panels are nonetheless helpful and insightful tools. Another aim of the victim’s impact panel is to show abusers that their actions, behaviors, and decisions affect more than themselves. By teaching the value of self-awareness and restraint, participants of the victim’s impact panel can learn valuable lessons as they reintegrate into society.

If you have been mandated to attend a victim’s impact panel, the courts can direct you to upcoming gatherings and where you may attend them. Some states allow these panels to be hosted online. Both in-person and online panels may include a testing portion and a certificate that the attendees will use to prove their compliance. Court-approved domestic violence classes online can supplement the content of a victim’s impact panel.

Friday, February 14, 2020

Signs Your Teenager May Be Using Drugs


Mother and teenage daughter having an argument
Teen drug use is as frightening for parents as it is dangerous to the kids themselves. If you’re worried that your child might be struggling with substance abuse, you need to know the signs as soon as possible. An online drug and alcohol course might offer in-depth information, but here are a few things to look out for in your teen’s life:

Paraphernalia - Privacy is important, and you want your children to trust you. Even so, searching their belonging for drugs or related items could save them from slipping deeper into dangerous behavior.

Major Stressors -- Often, teen drug and alcohol use is related to pressures in their lives. From the death of a loved one to a significant move, it’s always a good idea to monitor your child’s emotional state around big life changes and sources of stress.

Secrecy -- If your teen doesn’t want you to know what they’re up to, it might not mean they’re using drugs. Combined with other signs like sketchy friend groups or major behavior changes, though, it could be a good indicator. The best thing you can do is try to talk to them about it and why it’s important for you to be involved in their life.

Friday, February 7, 2020

Free Courses Available from AIC. American Integrity Courses


judge holding a gavel
Moving past a legal offense is already difficult. Taking the courses you need to comply with a judge’s orders shouldn’t make it even harder. At AIC. American Integrity Courses, we give you the opportunity to complete court-ordered classes online, freeing up your schedule and letting you make positive steps forward. Best of all, some of our offerings are free, including:

  • 1-Hour HIV/AIDS Awareness
  • Drinking and Driving Victim’s Impact Panel
  • Domestic Violence Victim’s Impact Panel


Each course covers the topic in-depth while still respecting your time and attention. No matter the reason for the court’s decision, we make sure you have an option that lets you move on with your life and focus on making improvements for the future.

What Our Courses Cover

Our HIV/AIDS awareness class breaks down important facts and statistics about these diseases and their treatment options. Knowing about transmission, symptoms, and other key elements can help you keep yourself and others safe. As for our victim’s impact panels, they fill the vital role of helping you understand the consequences of your mistakes. This is important for your own growth, but it also shows the court that you’re willing to do the reparative work necessary to avoid harsher punishments.