Cairns is the next centre able to access a new nationally-accredited Course in Responding to Domestic and Family Violence...

Presenting an award for the new course ... Communities Minister Karen Struthers (centre) is pictured with Centre Director Heather Nancarrow (left) and Centre Education Officer Annie Webster

Provided by Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service in partnership with the TAVAN Institute, the program was created by the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research (CDFVR), based at CQUniversity Mackay.

It will run in Cairns as a series of units in September, October and November. The course will be relevant* for those already working in a context where they come into contact with women and children subjected to domestic and family violence, as well as workers who want to develop their skills and knowledge in this area.

For details, contact 4033 6100 or office@dvcairns.org 

CDFVR this year (May 4) gained a Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Award for creating the new course.

CDFVR Director Heather Nancarrow said inappropriate responses to domestic and family violence could deter women from seeking further help, leaving them and their children exposed to further violence.

"Workers trained in the accredited Course in Responding to Domestic and Family Violence have the skills to identify domestic and family violence and intervene effectively at the earliest  possible opportunity," Ms Nancarrow said.

"The Course aims to ensure there is no ‘wrong door' for victims of domestic and family violence seeking help and has already been completed by a number of health workers, police, child protection officers and others, in addition to specialist domestic and family violence support workers, across the state."

* The combined training course and resources are designed for learners in both government and non-government agencies who may come into contact with women subjected to domestic and family violence through their work. These resources were developed by the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence after extensive consultation. There is a particular emphasis throughout the Learner Guides on issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities; culturally and linguistically diverse families and communities and rural and regional communities.