The essential online toolkit for health care professionals to identify and respond to domestic and family violence

The course was developed by clinician academics Kelsey Hegarty and Renee Fiolet, from the University of Melbourne, in line with recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence. Kelsey is a professor and a general practitioner who works across the university and the Royal Women’s Hospital. Renee is a doctoral student with a nursing background.

A new short course has been specifically designed for busy healthcare professionals (HCPs) to equip them with the skills to recognise and respond to the sensitive topic of domestic and family violence.

The course was developed by clinician academics Kelsey Hegarty and Renee Fiolet, from the University of Melbourne, in line with recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence. Kelsey is a professor and a general practitioner who works across the university and the Royal Women’s Hospital. Renee is a doctoral student with a nursing background.

Domestic and family violence causes physical and psychological harm, particularly to women, children, and families and undermines communities.

The commission suggested busy healthcare professionals required adequate training and healthcare services needed to provide a whole-of-service response.

The course, Identifying and Responding to Domestic and Family Violence, is accessible from any smart device, including a mobile phone and tablet, as well as a computer.

“Mobile learning is an ideal option for doctors and nurses to upskill on this sensitive and critical topic,” Renee said.

“Our course contains a practical toolkit for busy healthcare professionals to recognise risk and respond to domestic and family violence, and this valuable resource can be referred to at any time, right from a mobile phone.”

The course introduces HCPs to the nature and impact on health of this chronic social condition and their role in the service system.

It addresses when and how to sensitively recognise families presenting with risk factors and symptoms of domestic and family violence and guides busy healthcare professionals on how to respond safely and appropriately.

The course facilitates busy healthcare professionals to review and reflect on their health setting environment, and assess their need for support, to carry out this sensitive and important work.

There is further guidance on how to refer and record cases of domestic and family violence, including information on what practitioners can share. You can find further course information by visiting the course page here

Course Information

  • Domestic Violence