Understanding and Responding to Family Violence: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Workers

Course Synopsis

This one-day course equips healthcare workers with essential knowledge and practical skills to recognise and respond to family violence in their clinical settings. Participants will learn about the different forms of family violence, its impact on individuals and families, and common barriers to disclosure. The course emphasises trauma-informed, patient-centered approaches, including how to ask about abuse safely, assess risk and provide appropriate support and referrals.

Through case discussions and practical strategies, participants will build confidence to respond sensitively, ensure patient safety, and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary and community services.

Course objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify signs and symptoms of family violence
• List the types of family violence and its impact on patients and their families
• Communicate safely and sensitively with patients, including asking about abuse and responding to disclosures
• Apply trauma-informed, patient-centred approaches, including basic risk assessment and safety considerations
• Facilitate appropriate support and referrals

Eligibility

N/A

Our Trainers

Trainers are medical social workers who have worked in healthcare settings and have experience working with patients and their family members.