Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a complex and widespread issue with profound impacts on individuals, families, and communities. This micro-credential is designed for practitioners seeking to enhance their ability to work with men who use DFV, with a strong focus on culturally safe, trauma-informed and DFV informed practice.

Participants will explore the dynamics and drivers of DFV, with particular attention to the unique challenges and strengths within First Nations communities. The course examines the role of intergenerational trauma, colonisation, and systemic inequality in shaping experiences of DFV. The course provides practical, culturally competent strategies for engagement, perpetrator accountability, and change.

Grounded in evidence-based frameworks and informed by lived experience and community knowledge, this course equips learners with the skills to contribute to safer families and stronger communities through respectful, informed, and effective practice.

Upon successful completion, you'll receive:

• Six (6) PD Points
• A Certificate of Achievement
• A UWA Plus Professional Development Transcript, listing all successfully completed micro-credentials

Delivery mode

Online (lectures and workshops) plus Thursday evenings "Meet the Experts" sessions

Course dates

03 July 2026 -09 October 2026

Registrations:

Duration

12 weeks

Effort

150 hours

Cost

$1,320 inc. GST

Critical information summary

SWSPM103 Critical Information Summary (PDF 245KB)

Why study this course?

The need for a micro-credential on working with men who choose to use family and domestic violence, and to include the lens of First Nations communities is both urgent and essential. By equipping students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and cultural awareness, we can foster a new generation of practitioners who can address the complexities of FDV in a thoughtful and effective manner. This training not only benefits assisting individual men and women but also has the potential to contribute to the broader healing and strengthening of First Nations communities.

As we strive for a future where family and domestic violence is significantly reduced, it is imperative that we invest in education and training that respects cultural contexts and empowers individuals to make meaningful change. The establishment of this micro-credential represents a critical step towards achieving these goals, creating pathways for healing, accountability, and healthier communities.

Who should study this course?

This micro-credential is designed for practitioners in healthcare, social services, and the legal and justice systems, including psychologists, social workers, police officers, lawyers, magistrates, Aboriginal health workers, doctors, child health nurses, and those working within ACCOs. This course is relevant for professionals working in statutory agencies, NGOs, specialist services, and the health and legal sectors, who are seeking to develop expertise in working with men who use violence, with a focus on applying best practices and understanding Aboriginal perspectives. In response to the growing demand for formal training in domestic and family violence (DFV), this micro-credential supports workforce capacity building and ongoing professional development.

Recommended prior study

Bachelor degree or Certificate IV.

What's next after this course?

The WA Government DFV Systems Reform Plan (2024 - 2029) sets the vision for strengthening responses to family and domestic violence in Western Australia. The Plan envisages a service system response that is collaborative, connected and recognised around victim-survivor safety, recovery and re-establishment.

Research has shown that the workforce (across a wide range of professions) requires knowledge and skills in identifying and responding to the high statistics of DFV. This course aims to contribute to building an improved service system response.

This micro-credential earns 6 points of academic credit that can used towards an elective unit when commencing an award course at UWA.