On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the scope and impact of family violence.
2. Critically evaluate a range of theoretical perspectives utilised to understand family violence.
3. Evaluate cross-cultural (including Aboriginal) perspectives in relation to family violence.
4. Critically evaluate policies that have been devised to deal with family violence.
5. Critically assess policies and practices that deal with family violence.

Conceptualising the family; official definitions and assumptions; diversity and difference; public and private domains.
Theories of the family from the ?ehaven in a heartless world?f, to the ?efamily as a place of harm?f.
History of research on family violence: Australia and internationally.
Family violence and the effects and consequences for children, young women, older women, Aboriginal women, women with disabilities, women from non-English speaking backgrounds, women living in rural or isolated areas, gay couples, lesbian couples and men.
Overview of policy initiatives, programs and strategies to deal with family violence: Australia and international.
Developing promising practices and policies.