Rural and remote practitioners can now access ACRRM-approved CPD training in identifying and responding to patients who have experienced sexual violence. The program is designed and delivered by forensic medical experts. The three six-hour units are available at no cost.
Monash University’s Department of Forensic Medicine and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine developed and deliver the training. Content development was undertaken in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including rural and remote practitioners.
The CPD training is funded by the Federal Department of Social Services under the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
Each six-hour unit is delivered over a six-week period. Practitioners can register for one, two or all three units. Every unit has two co-facilitators with expertise in supporting patients who disclose sexual violence in clinical settings. Course participants attend two one-hour interactive zoom sessions and work through four hours of interactive content. The program has received excellent feedback.
I have changed my way of thinking about how I approach and manage these cases.
It has increased my level of confidence during consultations with victims of sexual assault
This has increased my awareness re use of appropriate verbal and body language in dealing with patients who have experienced sexual violence.
I have a much bigger tool kit thanks to all the resources! Thank you!
Sexual Violence: Drivers and Impacts. An overview of the sociological drivers of sexual violence; impacts on the individual and the community; barriers to disclosure; the justice system and support services; vicarious trauma and unconscious bias.
PDP hours
4 Educational activity
2 Performance review
Responding to Adult Disclosures of Sexual Violence. Focus is on the patient consultation, trauma informed communication, examination and documentation, safety assessment, medical care and referrals.
PDP hours
4 Educational activity
3 Performance review
Responding to sexual violence in at-risk patients. Focused on the needs of patients who are most vulnerable to sexual violence. This can include those with disability, older adults; LGBTQI+; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander; homeless youth, sex workers and patients from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
PDP hours
3 Educational activity
3 Performance review