Overview
This unit has a focus on developing your knowledge and understanding of skills to prevent and respond to violence against women (VAW). The most prevalent forms of this violence in Australia are domestic and family violence and sexual assault. They are recognised as “gendered crimes” that have an unequal impact on women. Although VAW occurs across all demographic groups, many women experience violence in ways that are specific to their circumstances. In Australia, for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with disabilities and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are recognised in policy as priority populations. In this unit you will learn about different types of VAW, analyse sources of data that will help you to understand this violence, and examine various models that have informed policy and practice in the area of VAW. You will identify the health, social and economic impacts of VAW at individual and community levels and apply your learning to create a plan to enhance the safety of women. Your safety plan will be based on a case study and draw on the contemporary evidence base.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 3 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Convenor reflection and student emails
Students did not take up the offered online learning sessions with the Convenor and largely indicated they would not attend such sessions.
Check with students at the beginning of the trimester to gauge their interest in participating in the learning sessions and garner suggestions for the content of these sessions. Ask students for preferred methods of engagement throughout the trimester.
Feedback from Student emails
Students who used the assignment activities found them helpful in putting together their assignments
Continue the assignment activities, but place them first each week and explore more interactive ways of presenting the material.
Feedback from Student feedback
Students would like more relevance to be highlighted between the material and social work practice.
Explore additional options to insert information relevant to social work practice in the material, beyond the existing videos speaking to social work practice in the field of domestic and family violence.
- Explain the various forms of violence against women that exist globally
- Analyse data sources relevant to the field of violence against women, including preventing and responding to this violence
- Report on the health, social and economic impacts of violence against women on individuals and the community
- Evaluate approaches to prevent, recognise and respond to this violence
- Create a plan at either an individual or community level that enhances the safety of women.
Not applicable
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
| 3 - Case Study - 40% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||||||||
| 3 - Case Study - 40% | |||||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- CQUniversity Library
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
x.weston@cqu.edu.au
r.peel@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 10 Nov 2025Module/Topic
Introduction to violence against women: Key themes
Chapter
All readings are outlined in the eReading list on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
By the end of this week you will:
- Understand the types of violence against women that exist globally
- Recognise the patterns and prevalence of violence against women
- Begin to understand the different levels of prevention
Week 2
Begin Date: 17 Nov 2025Module/Topic
Violence against women: Research and impacts
Chapter
All readings are outlined in the eReading list on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom drop-in sessions commence this week:
- Monday 11am-12pm
- Tuesday 3-4pm.
By the end of this week you will:
- Understand the role of research in the area of VAW
- Recognise there are different types of research and research data
- Begin to understand the impacts of VAW
Week 3
Begin Date: 24 Nov 2025Module/Topic
Priority populations 1
Chapter
All readings are outlined in the eReading list on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom drop-in sessions will take place:
- Monday 11am-12pm
- Tuesday 3-4pm.
By the end of this week you will:
- Begin to understand the populations that are more vulnerable to VAW
- Recognise there is variance across countries in VAW (prevalence and types)
Week 4
Begin Date: 01 Dec 2025Module/Topic
Priority populations 2
Chapter
All readings are outlined in the eReading list on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom drop-in sessions will take place:
- Monday 11am-12pm
- Tuesday 3-4pm.
By the end of this week you will:
- Gain a solid understanding of the population groups at heightened risk of experiencing VAW
- Understand why these groups are more likely to experience VAW
- Begin to understand why these groups experience barriers to seeking help for the violence they are experiencing
Written assessment – Fact Sheet Due: Week 4 Wednesday (3 Dec 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 5
Begin Date: 08 Dec 2025Module/Topic
Policy and legislation
Chapter
All readings are outlined in the eReading list on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom drop-in sessions will take place:
- Monday 11am-12pm
- Tuesday 3-4pm.
By the end of this week you will:
- Understand the global and national policy environment for VAW
- Be aware of workplace policies for supporting those affected by VAW
- Begin to understand the legislation that exists to prevent and respond to VAW
Week 6
Begin Date: 15 Dec 2025Module/Topic
Preventing violence against women
Chapter
All readings are outlined in the eReading list on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom drop-in sessions will take place:
- Monday 11am-12pm
- Tuesday 3-4pm.
By the end of this week you will:
- Understand the public health approach to prevention and its relevance for VAW
- Be aware of the three different levels of prevention
Have a more in-depth understanding of primary prevention
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 22 Dec 2025Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 22 Dec 2025Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 05 Jan 2026Module/Topic
Recognising and responding to violence against women
Chapter
All readings are outlined in the eReading list on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom drop-in sessions will take place:
- Monday 11am-12pm
- Tuesday 3-4pm.
By the end of this week you will:
- Begin to recognise signs and symptoms of IPV
- Be aware of appropriate responses to IPV
- Understand the stages of help-seeking for IPV
Week 8
Begin Date: 12 Jan 2026Module/Topic
Risk assessment and risk management
Chapter
All readings are outlined in the eReading list on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom drop-in sessions will take place:
- Monday 11am-12pm
- Tuesday 3-4pm.
By the end of this week you will:
- Understand the concepts of risk assessment, risk management and safety planning
- Be aware of the various risk factors for IPV
- Recognise that there are various risk assessment frameworks and tools
Written assessment – Information Briefing Due: Week 8 Wednesday (14 Jan 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 9
Begin Date: 19 Jan 2026Module/Topic
Safety planning: Individuals
Chapter
All readings are outlined in the eReading list on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom drop-in sessions will take place:
- Monday 11am-12pm
- Tuesday 3-4pm.
By the end of this week you will:
- Understand the process of seeking help for victims
- Begin to comprehend the rationale for safety planning
- Recognise tools and resources used for safety planning
Week 10
Begin Date: 26 Jan 2026Module/Topic
Safety planning: Community
Chapter
All readings are outlined in the eReading list on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom drop-in sessions will take place:
- Monday 11am-12pm
- Tuesday 3-4pm.
By the end of this week you will:
- Understand the notion of integrated responses and who is likely to be involved in these responses
- Recognise integrated responses as best practice for ensuring victim safety and perpetrator accountability
- Begin to understand the different types of community-based strategies that could be employed to prevent VAW before it happens (primary prevention)
Week 11
Begin Date: 02 Feb 2026Module/Topic
Violence against women: Workplace considerations
Chapter
All readings are outlined in the eReading list on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom drop-in sessions will take place:
- Monday 11am-12pm
- Tuesday 3-4pm.
By the end of this week you will:
- Understand that workplaces are an important part of the response to VAW, and can both take action against VAW and support victims of VAW in the workplace
- Recognise employer responsibilities in this space, including recognising signs of VAW and their legal obligations
- Begin to understand the professional codes and standards that guide actions of frontline workers
Week 12
Begin Date: 09 Feb 2026Module/Topic
Conclusion
Chapter
All readings are outlined in the eReading list on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom drop-in sessions will take place:
- Monday 11am-12pm
- Tuesday 3-4pm.
This is a summary lecture, turning together all of the key elements of the lecture series
Case study Due: Week 12 Wednesday (11 Feb 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
As this unit is offered online, students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Written Assessment
Type: Written assessment – Fact Sheet
Weighting: 20%
Length: 750 words (+/- 10%) (excluding reference list)
Task Description
You will write a fact sheet to raise awareness of coercive control with a non-professional audience. Coercive control, the foundation of domestic and family violence, affects many women in our communities and this document should help others understand various aspects of this topic.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Submission
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Marking Criteria
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned. Assessment re-attempt is not available for assessment 1.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· Students must pass each assessment to pass the unit.
· In order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 4 Wednesday (3 Dec 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 7 Wednesday (7 Jan 2026)
Marked assessment items will be returned three weeks following the due date.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Analyse data sources relevant to the field of violence against women, including preventing and responding to this violence
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
2 Written Assessment
Type: Written assessment – Information Briefing
Weighting: 40%
Length: 2,000 words +/-10% (excluding reference list)
Task Description
You will write an information briefing on how coercive control impacts women.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Submission
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Marking Criteria
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned. Assessment re-attempt is not available for assessment 2.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· Students must pass each assessment to pass the unit.
· In order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 8 Wednesday (14 Jan 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 11 Wednesday (4 Feb 2026)
Marked assessment items will be returned three weeks following the due date.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Explain the various forms of violence against women that exist globally
- Report on the health, social and economic impacts of violence against women on individuals and the community
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
3 Case Study
Type: Case Study
Weighting: 40%
Length: 2,000 words +/-10% (excluding reference list)
Task Description
You will write a case study report that will evaluate approaches to prevent, recognise, and respond to coercive control, and use the information to create a general safety plan.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Submission
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Marking Criteria
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned. Assessment re-attempt is not available for assessment 3.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· Students must pass each assessment to pass the unit.
· In order for a supplementary assessment to be considered, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 12 Wednesday (11 Feb 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Wednesday (18 Feb 2026)
Marked assessment items will be returned three weeks following the due date (04/03/2026).
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Evaluate approaches to prevent, recognise and respond to this violence
- Create a plan at either an individual or community level that enhances the safety of women.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
