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Foundation Certificate of Domestic Abuse and Violence

Learn to identify and support victims of neglect, abuse, and violence in primary care.

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Foundation Certificate of Domestic Abuse and Violence

CPD

12 hrs Education
18 hrs Performance
0 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online
Learn from
anywhere

Duration

30 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

This course will provide you with comprehensive knowledge on the role of the GP in preventing, intervening, supporting and following up victims of suspected abuse, in addition to helping vulnerable patients access support services and continuing care.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • Explore how to assess and manage neglect, physical and sexual abuse in adults and children.

  • Recognise elder abuse issues, injury types, and the effects of ageing on healing.

  • Understand mandatory reporting and onward referral. 

  • This course is for physicians, nurse practitioners, and degree-qualified nurses.

  • CPD-accredited.

Your education pathway

Professional Certificate

Establish foundational clinical knowledge and essential skills.

Learn more

Advanced Certificate

Develop advanced techniques and diagnostic capabilities.

Learn more

Learning outcomes

  • Recognise potential abuse situations to provide timely support for your vulnerable patients.

  • Ensure the safety of at-risk children by spotting signs of maltreatment and taking action.

  • Assist sexual abuse victims and help them access medical and support services.

  • Identify maltreatment in elderly patients and connect them with support services.

Course contents

Elder abuse
"Elder Abuse" is a critical course designed for healthcare professionals to recognize, assess, and manage cases of elder abuse in various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect. Through detailed instruction and case studies, participants will learn about the effects of ageing on injury healing, types of injuries associated with abuse, and the role of general practitioners in detecting and managing these cases. The course provides evidence-based practices, aiming to equip GPs with the knowledge and skills needed to protect vulnerable elderly individuals.
Child physical abuse and neglect
The "Child Physical Abuse & Neglect" course offers healthcare professionals essential knowledge to identify, assess, and manage cases of child maltreatment. The course covers the legal aspects of mandatory reporting, the clinical presentation of injuries, and the role of GPs in both prevention and response. Through case discussions and evidence-based guidelines, participants will learn to recognize signs of physical abuse, perform initial evaluations, and collaborate with child protection services. This course equips practitioners with the tools to protect vulnerable children and ensure their wellbeing.
Child sexual abuse
"Child Sexual Abuse" is a crucial course designed for healthcare professionals to enhance their understanding of identifying, reporting, and managing cases of child sexual abuse. Covering essential topics such as sexual offences, forensic examination processes, and the general practitioner's role in managing these sensitive cases, this course equips participants with evidence-based knowledge. The course provides practical insights into handling forensic evidence, safeguarding children, and offering the necessary aftercare for victims. Ideal for general practitioners and healthcare providers, this course ensures the best outcomes in detecting and addressing child sexual abuse.
Domestic Abuse
This course on Domestic Abuse is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to identify, respond to, and support women experiencing domestic abuse. Through a detailed exploration of domestic abuse statistics, screening techniques, and intervention strategies, participants will learn how to provide sensitive, non-judgmental care. The course covers the physical and psychological signs of abuse, the mental health impact, and the role of general practitioners in offering ongoing support and connecting victims to available resources.

Meet your instructors

Assoc. Professor John Gall Assoc. Professor John Gall MBBS
Assoc. Professor John Gall Assoc. Professor John Gall MBBS
Assoc. Professor John Gall Assoc. Professor John Gall MBBS
Dr Sharon Sykes Dr Sharon Sykes MBBS BAppSc FRACGP

Other ways to study this topic

Workshop

Complete your certificate online, then build practical skills in the accompanying optional hands-on workshop.

View workshop dates

Short courses

Study selected topics from this certificate as focused, standalone short courses for targeted upskilling in under 10 hours. 

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HealthCert 365

Access selected content from this certificate, plus 4,000+ hours of other CPD across a wide range of clinical areas.

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CPD accreditation and course details

CPD Accreditation and Activities

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

Each module in this certificate is an RACGP and ACRRM approved CPD activity.

RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours
516711 38178 Elder abuse 4.0 6.0
516696 38172 Child physical abuse and neglect 4.0 6.0
516707 38176 Child sexual abuse 4.0 6.0
455769 38387 Domestic Abuse 3.5 6.0
Total hours 15.5 24.0

View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities.

Outcome measurement

HealthCert Education provides a variety of Outcome Measurement activities to suit your needs. Please contact an Education Advisor for more information.

Entry Requirements

The Foundation Certificate of Domestic Abuse & Violence is tailored for medical practitioners who wish to improve patient outcomes by identifying and supporting victims of neglect, abuse and violence in primary care.

This course is for physicians, nurse practitioners, and degree-qualified nurses. There are no prerequisites.

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)

Participants who have already successfully completed the module on Domestic Violence and Women's Health as part of the HealthCert Professional Certificate of Women's Health may request a one-module reduction in fees for this course. The module examination questions will still need to be completed to ensure knowledge remains current.

Further professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, course participants will receive a Foundation Certificate of Domestic Abuse & Violence and CPD hours.

This certificate course:

  • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

  • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Hours are calculated differently.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.

  • Is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).

  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.

  • Has been independently developed with subject experts and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider

This organisation is an RACGP-accredited CPD provider under the RACGP CPD Program.

RACGP logo
ACRRM logo
AMA
Bond-Sep-09-2026-05-46-43-7981-AM
Griffith
IDS-1
Graz
Vienna
University of South Wales
Torrens
NSCC-2
Rila
UQ logo

Frequently asked questions

What are the costs and payment options of the course?

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

What is the Alumni Support Program?

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

  • Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.

  • Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.

  • Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.

  • Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.

  • Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.

How will I receive my certificate?

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

How long will the course take to complete?

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is listed at the top of this page. The estimated duration includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

Is this course recognised in my country?

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.

Cancellation policy: What happens if I can't attend a practical workshop?

Course/workshop cancellations and transfers policy

Should you be unable to attend a course or practical workshop you have registered for, please inform us asap at admin@healthcert.com so we can make your place available to waitlisted doctors.

Charges may apply for course/workshop cancellations and/or transfers. Click here for details.

What our alumni say

Join thousands of doctors who have advanced their clinical practice with our certificate courses.

"HealthCert courses have become the standard by which you gauge all others."

Dr K. Abolarinwa

"Good, courses with excellent speakers. I particularly enjoyed the case study scenarios which helped to integrate the knowledge gained."

- Dr A. Tucker

"This is the pathway to improve your confidence and evolve into the GP you aspire to be"

- Dr S. Shinwari

Get in touch with us

Our Education Advisors can assist you with any queries and tailor your education pathway to suit your current expertise, interests and career goals.

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Richard Silsby

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Campbell Elton

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