Responding to Violence, Abuse and Trauma unit (HGW631)

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	HGW631
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health Social Work Program
Discipline	Social Work
Coordinator	Mrs Sarah Wynwood
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyse the prevalence, nature, and impact of various types of violence and abuse across individual, family, community, and societal contexts, considering intersecting sociocultural factors.
• Demonstrate advanced application of relevant theoretical frameworks to analyse the occurrence of violence and abuse, with a focus on power dynamics, systemic oppression, and implications for victimisation.
• Critically examine and recommend reforms to current policy and practice responses to trauma and violence, drawing on diverse theoretical perspectives, empirical research, and policy analysis to assess their effectiveness and ethical implications.
• Engage in reflexive practice by critically examining the impact of personal values, assumptions, and beliefs on professional practice, and demonstrating a nuanced understanding of social justice and human rights in complex intervention contexts.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

HGW503, HGW512, HGW513, HGW516, HGW527

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Weekly - 2 hours of online learning activities including readings. Weekly - 2-hour face-to-face skills lab
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.