Join our upcoming webinar on the Graduate Certificate in Domestic Violence Responses. Register Now.
Unfortunately, domestic violence is an issue that affects individuals, families, communities and many systems across Australia. Professionals in these systems, such as justice, education and healthcare, will encounter victims in their work. This means there is a need for practical, evidence-based training so they can respond appropriately without creating additional trauma.
Why study domestic violence response?
Specialist knowledge matters in domestic violence response as the actions taken in critical moments can have long-term impacts. The unfortunate reality of the growing prevalence of domestic violence in Australia means that this is not a niche issue, and professionals in a range of roles will encounter people who have been directly impacted. This type of study is suited for existing practitioners who want to deepen their expertise, as well as individuals looking to change careers and develop specialist knowledge to support their transition.
Professor Michael Flood says that by understanding patterns of abuse, impacts on victims, as well as risks to children and families, there is an opportunity to make a difference. “Building awareness of perpetrator behaviour as well as risk and escalation are all important components for professionals who interact with victims to be aware of,” he says. “It is also important for them to understand the role of agencies such as police, courts and support services.”
A graduate certificate designed for real-world situations
The QUT Online’s Graduate Certificate in Domestic Violence Responses provides an opportunity to develop the knowledge needed to be effective, along with the relevant practical skills. The course is focused on helping students prevent domestic violence and ensure they are familiar with the tools and services available to victims when it happens. There is a focus on understanding patterns of abuse, the impacts on victims and how to respond effectively and safely.
Professor Michael Flood says that by doing the course, students are being prepared to work in a range of services and programs and improve their professional practice. “We know that social workers, youth workers and counsellors are some of the many professionals who already work with victims of domestic violence and are seeking to enhance their skillset,” he says. “This course is an excellent professional qualification for people in this position, as well as those wanting to get into the sector, to build vital skills for this important work.”
What the course covers
The course has been designed to be practical, current and focused on what professionals actually need. It has been built on evidence and informed by domestic and family violence organisations.
It is broken down into four units, which include:
Children and family violence – This unit is all about understanding the impact of violence on families and children. This means recognising how children experience and are affected by family violence whilst also considering family dynamics and safety in practice.
Dynamics of Domestic Violence – In this unit, students will learn about the patterns, drivers and forms of domestic violence. There is also a focus on recognising coercive control and other forms of abuse.
Working with Domestic Violence Victims – Students learn to develop practical response skills in this unit and skills to support and advocate for victims. A key focus is on communicating safely, respectfully and effectively.
Reducing Lethal Risk – This unit focuses on learning how to assess and respond to serious risk. This includes understanding which indicators to look out for ahead of escalation and developing skills to minimise harm and improve safety planning.
Social worker Sally Connell works with victims of domestic violence and is also an Online Learning Advisor for the course. She says that the content reflects what the sector needs. “Students will enjoy a mix of practical capability alongside theory as they will need to implement this content in their workplace,” she says. “It is important that they see how these concepts can be applied in a meaningful way.”
Why are these skills important?
The focus on practical application means that the course helps students to build employability as well as confidence and professional judgement. Students will walk away with a better understanding not only of how they can identify issues and respond to them but also what the experience of victims is likely to be in the various systems they will encounter.
Alongside this, there is a focus on personal safety and well-being. The nature of work in this space can be challenging and confronting. Sally Connell says it’s important that students understand the emotional realities of this work and the need for practitioner support. “Work in the domestic violence sector is critically important, but it can also be challenging,” she says.
“Developing broader systemic awareness, advocacy and communication skills through the Graduate Certificate can be empowering for students. We also want them to understand the realities of work in this space and the need to utilise practitioner support.”
Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Domestic Violence Responses by attending our upcoming webinar on June 25 at 6pm. You will hear directly from Professor Michael Flood as well as Online Learning Advisor Sally Connell. Register to secure your spot.