Responding to Violence, Abuse and Trauma unit (HGW428)

Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

This unit examines the nature, dynamics, causes, and consequences of violence and abuse, with a focus on social work practice. Students will explore the social, psychological, and political underpinnings of violence, with particular attention to gendered and intersectional dimensions. The unit critically analyses policy and practice responses, highlighting challenges affecting diverse populations and identifying gaps in current intervention and prevention strategies. Recognising the risks of over-pathologising suffering, this unit emphasises the complexity of human experiences following trauma and the human capacity for development and post-traumatic growth. Through a trauma-informed lens, students will evaluate how social work practice can foster more inclusive, ethical responses to violence and abuse. This unit builds on prerequisite studies and providing advanced preparation for the final-year field placement. 

Summary

Unit name	Responding to Violence, Abuse and Trauma
Unit code	HGW428
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health Social Work Program
Discipline	Social Work
Coordinator	Mrs Sarah Wynwood
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Honours

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Cradle Coast	Semester 1
Hobart	Semester 1
Launceston	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Identify and define types of violence and abuse, understanding their prevalence, nature, and impact across individual, family, community, and societal contexts.
• Apply relevant theories to explain the occurrence of violence and abuse, highlighting the roles of power and control in victimisation.
• Critically assess responses to violence and trauma, integrating various theoretical perspectives, research evidence, and legislative and policy frameworks.
• Reflect on personal values, assumptions, and beliefs in relation to practice, demonstrating a commitment to social justice, respect, and human rights in professional practice.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
090501	$2,174.00	$1,020.00	$1,192.00	$2,562.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

HGW327, HGW308, HGW302, HGW303

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Independent learning: 2 hours of online learning activities including readings weekly Tutorials: Students will attend 2-hour on campus face-to-face skills lab weekly
Assessment	Information guide (30%)|Podcast and Reflection (30%)|Trauma-informed practice brief (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

All readings will be available via the units Reading List. The Reading List has been structured into weekly sections for ease of use.¿  You will need regular access to the following texts:  Walsh, D., 2018, Working with Domestic Violence: Contexts and Frameworks for Practice, Routledge.  Maidment, J., Egan, R., Tudor, R., & Nippress, S., (Eds), 2023, Practice Skills in Social Work and Welfare, Routledge/Taylor & Francis.

Recommended

All recommended readings will be available via the units Reading List. It is recommended your regularly consult the following texts:  Rothschild, B., 2017, The Body Remembers: Revolutionizing Trauma Treatment, WW Norton & Company, New York.  Featherstone, B., Gupta, A., Morris, K., & White, S., 2018, Protecting Children: a Social Model, Policy Press, UK.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.