Description & Objectives

Continuing Education Hours: 1 CE for LPC, SW, LMFT, and Psychologists - NBCC Approved

Description: This presentation delves into the critical relationship between firearms and intimate partner violence. Participants will explore how guns escalate the lethality of domestic violence, examine current legislation and its impact and learn actionable steps to prevent gun-related domestic violence fatalities. The session will provide valuable insights into how individuals and communities can work together to support survivors and advocate for meaningful change.  

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the relationship between firearms and domestic violence and how the presence of guns increases the risk of homicide and homicide/suicide. 
  • Examine key federal and state-level legislation aimed at preventing gun access for individuals with domestic violence histories.  
  • Explore prevention strategies and resources to support survivors and reduce gun-related domestic violence. 
  • Learn actionable steps for advocacy and community involvement to address the intersection of firearms and domestic violence. 

Instructors

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez

Dr. Alicia Hawley-Bernardez is a tenured associate professor at Our Lady of the Lake University, where she has taught since 2017. Additionally, she is currently pursuing her clinical hours toward her LCSW at Inspired Practice, expanding her expertise in trauma-informed care. Her background includes working as a Transitional Housing Coordinator at a domestic violence agency and as a Victim Advocate Program Manager for a police department, providing critical support to survivors and victims of crime. Her research focuses on gun violence prevention, intimate partner violence, mindfulness in social work education, AI in education, and best practices for online learning. Alicia also volunteers with Moms Demand Action as the Be SMART lead in Tarrant County, advocating for secure firearm storage to save children’s lives. Through her work as an educator, clinician, and advocate, she is dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering safer communities.

Joy Patton

Dr. Joy Patton is a licensed master social worker in Texas and currently serves as an Associate Professor in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University. She is actively working toward clinical licensure and provides counseling services to individuals who are experiencing symptoms associated with childhood trauma, abuse, attachment issues, and relational challenges. Dr. Patton also has extensive experience as a community consultant, which includes nonprofit training programs, grant writing, community needs assessments, program evaluations, and organizational strategic planning. As an accomplished researcher, her areas of interest include online education, children and families, trauma, and adolescent/family violence.