Frontline workers across Australia are being encouraged to build the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the face of the growing prevalence of domestic violence in Australia – and an online course aims to help.
The course, offered by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), is a response to the growing awareness and discussion around violence against women, coupled with data showing an almost 30 per cent spike* in the rate of women killed by an intimate partner, that has left many wondering what they can do to make a difference.
Professor Michael Flood works in QUT’s School of Justice, with a research agenda focused on research agenda focuses on gender, sexuality, and interpersonal violence. He says QUT Online’s Graduate Certificate in Domestic Violence Responses, aimed at frontline workers, practitioners and professionals, is essential for anyone in people-facing roles such as policing, youth work and counselling.
“As a country, we are grappling with this devastating issue that impacts all reaches of society. While it’s important that we are aware of and talking about this issue, we also need to move beyond this with practical solutions,” Flood says.
“It’s essential that those who work with victims, perpetrators and others affected by domestic violence understand what domestic violence looks like and how it operates.
“This online course is a really useful way to get your head around the issue and develop the real-world skills needed to deal with something you’re likely to face throughout your career.”
A range of experience is considered as entry requirements, including undergraduate qualifications as well as direct experience working with victims, perpetrators and others affected by domestic violence.
Driving societal change
QUT Online is launching more courses in July 2025 to address the domestic violence crisis further, including Graduate Diploma in Responses to Gendered Violence and Graduate Certificate in Prevention and Responses to Sexual Violence and a Master of Justice.
Experienced counsellor and Unit Coordinator Jaime Simpson says the course provides students with knowledge and advice in various relevant areas to professionals in many fields, including her own.
“Social work, youth work, policing and counselling are just a few examples of careers where you are likely to encounter both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence,” she says.
“Education is so important in driving societal change on this issue. Through the Graduate Certificate, we have already equipped hundreds of students with trauma-informed approaches to working with victims and survivors.
“This includes learning how to identify and respond to the needs of diverse populations and work in diverse contexts. This is coupled with strategies for their own self-care and professional wellbeing as we know burnout is a huge challenge for so many of our frontline workers.”
