Home and community
Since the 1980s, Monash has recognised the need to bring the rigours of scientific analysis and research into our domestic and recreational settings to aid the prevention of serious injury.
Why home and community safety is important
More Victorians die from injuries suffered in home, sport and leisure settings each year than do on our states roads. And we are nearly four times more likely to be admitted to hospital for injuries sustained in home and sports activities than for transport related incidents - in fact, more than 37,000 Victorians, on average, require hospital admission each year because of injuries they suffered while at home or at play.
In 2023, 399 large-scale events impacted over 93 million people globally . In Australia, natural disasters currently cost the economy $38 billion per year, with up to 41% of people experiencing a disaster in 2023.
Australia’s International Development Policy and Humanitarian Policy commits Australia to build regional resilience by supporting partner governments and communities to lead their own climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction efforts.
Research Teams
Our home and community safety work is conducted by the following research teams:
Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit (VISU)
VISU has been analysing, interpreting and disseminating Victorian data on injury deaths, hospital admissions and emergency department presentations across the state, nationally and internationally for more than 25 years.
Monash University Disaster Resilience Initiative (MUDRI)
The MUDRI team delivered education, research and projects that developed and strengthened emergency management, health systems, and community development, to reduce risks and build resilience to disasters, climate change, and other societal disruptions. While MUDRI has now concluded its activities within MUARC, there are a range of resources available.
Injury Outcomes Research
Researchers within the Injury Outcomes Research Unit seek to understand how people recover from injury and the role that compensation and insurance system play in the recovery process.
NoFalls Exercise Program
The NoFalls exercise program was designed as one of the falls prevention interventions for older people in a larger trial run by MUARC and the City of Whitehorse.