Sexual and Family Violence (SAFE)

Our Research

Our multidisciplinary program aims to improve the safety, health and wellbeing of women, families and communities by addressing problems of family violence and sexual abuse through early intervention. Using mixed methods, our focus has been on understanding the dynamics of violence; the links between violence and health; development and testing of interventions for screening, early identification and responses for women, children, young people and men, including the use of technologies. The program is affiliated with the Melbourne Research Alliance to End Violence Against Women and their Children (MAEVe) and the Centre for Family Violence Prevention at the Royal Women’s Hospital.

Our Objectives

• Explore the definition, prevalence, risk factors and natural history of abuse and violence across the lifecycle;
• Understand the physical and psychological consequences of abuse and violence for families;
• Explore experiences of abuse and violence among the health workforce;
• Develop and evaluate:
  • Educational interventions at undergraduate and postgraduate levels;
  • Screening, early intervention and therapeutic responses to assist families where abuse and violence is occurring;
  • Innovative responses using new technologies for women and men to access;
• Work collaboratively with community groups, survivors, local, state and national governments and professional bodies; and
• Promote knowledge exchange and provide research evidence to inform policy and practice.

For more indepth information visit the Safer Families website below.

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Pathways to Safety

This practice-centred training program is aimed at building the capacity of primary health care providers to more confidently and effectively recognise, respond, refer and record disclosures of domestic and family violence using a trauma and violence-informed approach.