A nationally-accredited Course in Responding to Domestic and Family Violence will be delivered in Mackay on February 17, following the results of research on domestic violence in the Bowen Basin and Mackay region.

The research, conducted by the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, based at CQUniversity Mackay, confirmed that domestic violence is a significant issue in the region and highlighted the need for a wide range of professionals to have the knowledge and skills to assist those affected.

In particular, the research highlighted the need for health professionals and general counselling services to be able to recognise the signs of domestic violence and to be able to appropriately refer clients for further, specialist assistance.

The nationally-accredited Course in Responding to Domestic and Family Violence was developed by the Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research and will be delivered in conjunction with the Health and Community Services Workforce Development Council's Skills Development Network.  

The Course contains 3 units of competency: 'Recognise and Respond to Domestic and Family Violence'; 'Referring Appropriately and Effectively in Response to Domestic and Family Violence' and 'Reflecting on Work Practice when Responding to Domestic and Family Violence'. Each unit will be delivered over 3 days.

The 9 days of training utilises several training mediums.  These include role-plays, simulations, small group discussions, video and DVD presentations, workshops, Powerpoint information and guest speeches from specialised service areas.

The Course pilot, which was delivered in Brisbane at the end of last year, had 26 enrolments from across Queensland.  An impressive 96% of participants felt that they had improved their knowledge and skills by completing the Course, with 90% also agreeing that the course was relevant to their work role.

Participants in the Course indicated that the completion of the 3 units had enhanced their practice and improved their understanding of domestic and family violence in relation to Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, culturally and linguistically diverse groups and rural and remote communities. 

There was unanimous agreement from Course participants that an experienced worker would benefit from completing the Course and an equally strong recommendation that it should be made compulsory for new workers, while 96% of participants said they would recommend this course to their colleagues.

For further information please call Annie Webster on 4940 7838 or email a.webster@cqu.edu.au