Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence in Adults
Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence in Adults
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Dates
Various dates in 2023–2027
Duration
Online: 6.5 hours:
- 30 minutes pre-reading
- 1 hour Zoom introduction
- 4 x 1 hour self-directed learning modules (Moodle)
- 1 hour Zoom closing session
Face-to-face: 7 hours (one-day course)
Format
Online: Blended learning – Zoom and self-directed
Face-to-face: One day workshop
Cost
Free
Program contact
Terms and Conditions
Are you a healthcare worker working in Australia who cares for victims of sexual violence? If so, this course is for you.
Monash University’s Department of Forensic Medicine and consortia partner, the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM), have developed a three-unit Course for health practitioners in Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence which commenced in 2021 and will continue until 2027.
This training program is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032. The training will equip healthcare professionals to recognise and respond appropriately to adult disclosures of sexual violence.
Monash University is seeking expressions of interest from AHPRA registered and Australia-based practicing health practitioners providing primary health care services to undertake the RACGP and other medical college CPD-accredited training at no cost.
You can enrol in single or multiple units.
Consideration will be given to rural and remote practitioners and those whose practice catchment includes patients at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence. This may include:
- patients with disabilities
- patients from culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander patients
- patients who identify as LGBTQIA+
- older adults
- adolescents
- sex workers
Each unit is delivered online over a six-week period and includes live sessions with clinicians with expertise in responding to sexual violence. The course has been designed to be interactive.
Information on our face-to-face one-day course:
If you prefer a traditional face-to-face learning environment, we will also be running the units as one-day courses.
It is important to note that Unit 1 must be completed (either online or face-to-face) as a prerequisite for enrolment in face-to-face one-day courses for Units 2 and/or 3.
This ensures that you have a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding before progressing. The face-to-face training is accredited as a 7-hour activity.
Unit 1 – Sexual Violence: Drivers and Impacts
Unit 1 provides an evidence-based overview of sexual violence prevalence, drivers, short- and long-term impacts on individuals and the community and an overview of justice responses.
Learning Outcomes:
- Determine indicators of sexual violence and assess patient risk.
- Determine short and long-term health impacts of sexual violence and incorporate into patient management
- Integrate impacts of vicarious trauma and unconscious bias into self-care and patient care management.
- Integrate discussion on the role of police, the justice system and confidentiality into patient reporting options.
Online intakes commence: 27 FEBRUARY / 22 MAY / 14 AUGUST / 6 NOVEMBER
Face-to-face training dates: To be announced
Unit 2 – Responding to Sexual Violence in Adults
Unit 2 focuses on the patient consultation, medical care, documentation and referrals.
Learning Outcomes:
- Prioritise and integrate the complex elements of sexual violence disclosures into patient care
- Construct a trauma-informed patient management plan for patients who disclose sexual violence
- Identify the key ethical, medical, and forensic issues that need to be addressed in patients disclosing sexual violence
Online intakes commence: 27 MARCH / 19 JUNE / 11 SEPTEMBER
Face-to-face training dates: To be announced
Unit 3 – Responding to Sexual Violence in At-Risk Patients
Unit 3 covers immediate and long-term care for patients who are known to be at a higher risk of experiencing sexual violence.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify forms of sexual violence experienced by at-risk patients and address barriers to disclosure.
- Apply and integrate understanding of intersectionality and response frameworks into healthcare for patients from at-risk cohorts who disclose sexual violence.
- Formulate patient-focused healthcare for at-risk patients who have experienced sexual violence.
- Evaluate patient needs and apply understanding of psycho-social support services to provide referrals that address a patient’s complex and diverse needs and pathway for recovery.
Online intakes commence: 24 APRIL / 17 JULY / 9 OCTOBER
Face-to-face training dates: To be announced
The three-unit curriculum is patient-centred and recognises and addresses the risk of vicarious trauma for health practitioners in caring for victim/survivors of sexual violence.
The program is designed to be practical and the practice-focused units will include a Sexual Assault Response Resource developed by specialist forensic medical practitioners. This guideline supports workplace operationalisation of course learning.
Who should attend?
Each Unit is designed for medical practitioners, nurses, midwives, and other health professionals who care for patients who may have experienced sexual violence.
Accreditation
Course facilitators
While the information contained herein was correct at the date of publication, Monash University reserves the right to alter procedures, fees and regulations should the need arise.