SWM5127 · Family violence and social work practice

Overview

In this unit you will be introduced to contemporary knowledge and theories informing our current understanding of family violence and its impact upon those who experience the phenomenon and the broader community. In particular the unit will critically examine how family violence impacts upon a diverse range of individuals including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, refugees, women with disabilities and members of the LGBTIQ community. The unit will introduce you to current family violence legislation and policy and you will also explore the role and obligations of social workers in the response to and prevention of family violence. Throughout the unit you will be encouraged to critically reflect upon your personal views, values and assumptions about family violence.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse the gendered drivers and reinforcing factors associated with family violence from a variety of theoretical positions and practice-based frameworks.
2. Identify and analyse the multiple, complex and unique impacts of family violence on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, including understanding intergenerational trauma and the causes and impacts of lateral violence.
3. Identify and analyse the multiple and complex impacts of family violence on other diverse populations, individuals, families and the broader community.
4. Evaluate contemporary approaches to social work practice in responding to family violence, including risk assessment and case management and the varying effectiveness in working across cultures.
5. Critically examine the ways in which family violence legislation and policy shape family violence prevention strategies and the varying impacts on diverse cohorts.
6. Critically evaluate your personal views, values and assumptions about family violence.

Workload

This is an online unit for both cohorts of students: on campus and off campus that comprises 12 hours of teacher directed learning activities each week for 8 weeks. You will be expected to spend up to 12 hours each week for 8 weeks in self-directed study related to the content matter.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.