Throughout this course, you will learn about the forms, contexts and prevalence of sexual violence.

You will build knowledge of the impacts on those who experience sexual violence, those close to them and on society. You will develop skills to facilitate and respond to disclosure, applying the principles of trauma-informed care and practice to address intersectional barriers to disclosure and support.

During your training, you will complete self-paced, digital learning activities and participate in facilitated workshops. You will undertake knowledge-based assessment to demonstrate your knowledge and your response skills through practical tasks. You will also reflect on your experiences to develop self-awareness and practice.

You’ll learn from professionals who share their knowledge and experience to help you prepare for responses to disclosures of sexual violence.

The Course in Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence is an initiative under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.

Funding for students’ fees is provided by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services under the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

Following extensive consultation with service providers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community members, people with disability, LGBTQ+ community members, older adults, young people and sex workers, Monash University's Department of Forensic Medicine and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine led the development of the course. Development of content, learning and assessment materials was in partnership with CASA House, No to Violence, Yarrow Place – Rape and Sexual Assault Service, Laurel House – Sexual Assault Support, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, University of the Sunshine Coast and RMIT University.

Throughout your studies, you will be required to attend weekly online facilitated 3 hour-long workshops, plus digital self-paced and community of learning engagement.

Time spent on self-paced learning activities is dependent on your current level of knowledge and experience. Workshops will include time for assessment work but some tasks may need to be completed in your own time.

NAT10994001 – Develop and apply knowledge of the impacts of sexual violence

This subject focuses on understanding the forms, contexts, drivers, and risks of sexual violence with an understanding of the impact of vicarious trauma, values, and biases on practice. Through eLearning and across four workshops, this subject will equip workers with skills to work within legal, ethical, and trauma-informed frameworks for sexual violence. 

NAT10994002 – Respond to individuals who disclose sexual violence 

This subject will develop your ability to apply trauma-informed care and practice principles to facilitate and respond to disclosures of sexual violence. You will also develop skills to take an intersectional approach to identify victim/survivors’ needs and preferences and support their access to specialist and targeted services. This subject is delivered through eLearning and six workshops.