This unit has a focus on developing your knowledge and understanding of skills to prevent and respond to violence against women (VAW). The most prevalent forms of this violence in Australia are domestic and family violence and sexual assault. They are recognised as “gendered crimes” that have an unequal impact on women. Although VAW occurs across all demographic groups, many women experience violence in ways that are specific to their circumstances. In Australia, for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with disabilities and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are recognised in policy as priority populations. In this unit you will learn about different types of VAW, analyse sources of data that will help you to understand this violence, and examine various models that have informed policy and practice in the area of VAW. You will identify the health, social and economic impacts of VAW at individual and community levels and apply your learning to create a plan to enhance the safety of women. Your safety plan will be based on a case study and draw on the contemporary evidence base.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Informal student feedback

Students appreciated the drop-in sessions for the assignments, the assessment videos providing tips and common errors to avoid, and the ability to have their assignment outlines checked.

Continue providing drop-in sessions, videos and assignment outline checking for assessment items.

Feedback from Student evaluation

Students appreciated the unit material and its relevance to their practice.

Continue providing unit material in its current format, with ongoing updates to ensure currency.

Feedback from Personal reflection by Unit Coordinator

Students do not seem to complete the assignment activities which will help them to write each assignment. This may be because they are not presented in an interactive manner, rather are a static list of tasks and resources.

Explore options for presenting the assignment activities, such as using textboxes or other interactive ways of presenting the information. Also consider placing the assignment activities at the top of the page rather than at the bottom of the page.