According to the ABS, an estimated 2.2 million women aged 18 years and over have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. Monash University’s Department of Forensic Medicine provides FREE CPD training in Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence in Adults for APHRA registered healthcare professionals. The training will equip you with the skills to recognise and respond appropriately to adult disclosures of sexual violence.

This training is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032. The course comprises of three units which can be undertaken as standalone units or as a complete training suite, delivered both online and face-to-face.

Unit 1 – Sexual Violence: Drivers and Impacts

Unit 1 provides an evidence-based overview of sexual violence prevalence, drivers, short- and long-term impacts on individuals and the community, and an overview of justice responses.

Unit 2 – Responding to Sexual Violence in Adults

Unit 2 focuses on the patient consultation, medical care, documentation and referrals.

Unit 3 – Responding to Sexual Violence in At-Risk Patients

Unit 3 covers immediate and long-term care for patients who are known to be at a higher risk of experiencing sexual violence.

The program is designed to be practical, and the practice-focuses units will include a Sexual Assault Response Resource developed by specialist forensic medical practitioners. This guideline supports workplace operationalisation of course learning.