An Introduction - Responding to Sexual Violence

Capability level: Emerging

Sexual violence remains a pervasive and complex issue in Australia, affecting people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds and communities. Social workers frequently play a vital role in supporting individuals who have experienced sexual violence, whether through direct service delivery, advocacy, or systems navigation.

This training will provide foundational knowledge and skills for learners to safely respond to disclosures and support survivors of sexual violence.

The program draws on trauma-informed practice principles, Australian legal and policy frameworks, and the AASW Code of Ethics and Practice Standards. It also foregrounds the importance of practitioner self-care, reflective practice and organisational supports to sustain this challenging but essential work.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

Understand the context of sexual violence in Australia

• Describe the prevalence, dynamics and impacts of sexual violence across diverse populations.
• Recognise how intersecting factors such as gender, culture, disability and socio-economic status influence experiences of sexual violence and access to support.

Apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches

• Demonstrate principles of safety, trust, empowerment, collaboration and cultural humility when working with survivors.
• Identify and reduce risks of re-traumatisation in practice settings.

Respond effectively to disclosures of sexual violence

• Use active listening, validation and non-judgemental responses to support clients disclosing sexual violence.
• Understand mandatory reporting, confidentiality and consent requirements in the Australian context.
• Navigate referral pathways and coordinate with specialist sexual assault services.

Maintain professional and ethical standards

Prioritise practitioner self-care and reflective practice

AASW Credentials: Family Violence & Mental Health