Responding to Violence, Abuse and Trauma unit (HGW631)

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	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

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

Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

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

• 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

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

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.