Gove/Nhulunbuy (Full day – Face to Face)

Monday, 6 October – Responding to Sexual Violence in Adults

Tuesday, 7 October – Responding to Sexual Violence in at-risk patients

More details – Register here

Domestic and family violence is a serious problem that affects individuals, families, and the community. Women under 45 are at the highest risk of being hurt or killed by their partners. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) 2017, more than one woman is killed every week by her partner or ex-partner. Those who have experienced domestic and family violence need help and support from frontline workers. The effects of domestic and family violence can be devastating and have a far-reaching impact on the lives of those involved.

The evidence-based and trauma-informed course content is practice-informed by Australia’s largest forensic medical and scientific centre, the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM). The VIFM provides an acute service for victims of sexual violence, providing medical examinations and support for a diverse cohort of patients. This Accredited Training in Sexual Violence Response (ATSVR) project is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services (DSS) as an initiative under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and their Children 2022-2032. The DSS has identified a need to develop accredited training for frontline workers on how to recognise and respond appropriately to disclosures of sexual violence. We know that individuals with multiple risk factors such as mental and physical disabilities, youth, and those in institutional and aged care are exponentially more likely to experience sexual violence and to face barriers in seeking help. Health Practitioners need to be able to recognise and assess at-risk individuals and identify indicators of all forms of sexual violence including harassment. Health practitioners must have appropriate skills to respond effectively and empathetically to disclosures and to understand the referral pathways that apply in each instance.