RMIT University
Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Earn a recognised qualification in responding to and preventing family violence, leading to a career that creates meaningful change in individuals' and families' lives.
Course overview
The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence is designed to prepare both new graduates and current practitioners for a fulfilling career in the domestic and family violence sector.
Individuals in fields such as community services, health, youth and social work, education, alcohol and drug services, family services, mental health, housing and homelessness, local and state government, criminal justice, criminology and psychology will greatly benefit from the practical and evidence-based curriculum of this graduate certificate.
Instructors include leading academics and professionals in the field, who will help you acquire essential knowledge and practical skills in areas such as family violence client intake, risk assessment, casework and understanding the national policy context alongside evidence-based practices.
Upon completing this course, you will be well-prepared for employment in both responding to family violence and preventing violence against women. Recent graduates have found roles in family violence specialist services, including various Orange Door intake services, refuge and family violence case management and positions in allied community services.
Why study the Graduate Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence at RMIT?
- Industry relevant
Gain real-world practice knowledge from industry experts, the latest policy frameworks, best-practice research evidence and skill-based seminars. - Professional recognition
This qualification meets the Mandatory Minimum Equivalent Qualification for Specialist Family Violence practitioners, as defined by Family Safety Victoria. - Graduate job-ready
Build a foundation for your career and be prepared for roles related to responding to family violence and violence prevention.
Key facts
What you will study
Students must complete the following four courses:
- Sex, Gender and Justice
- Responding to Family Violence: In Justice and Community Settings
- Preventing Violence Against Women
- Specialist Family Violence Case Coordination and Management
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
You must have one of the following:
- Successfully completed an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline.
- Undertaken significant work experience or professional practice.
As a guide, significant work experience would generally be a minimum of five years of professional work experience in Australian domestic and/or family violence services or an allied human and/or community services sector.
If you have completed a Diploma of Community Services, a minimum of two years of professional work experience in Australian domestic and/or family violence services or an allied human and/or community services sector will be considered.
To have your professional experience considered, you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience. If you also hold a Diploma of Community Services, you must submit evidence of your qualification.
English language requirements
You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed in a manner consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Find out if you might be eligible by contacting the university.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- You will be equipped with a comprehensive body of knowledge and a broad set of skills to respond to and prevent domestic and family violence.
- You will critically analyse the theories, principles and developments that underpin this field of study and apply logic and creative problem solving to address the social, cultural, political, economic and environmental dimensions of domestic and family violence.
- You will not only develop appropriate responses to relevant and social policy issues, but also apply your reflective practice and case management skills to assess real-life situations in ways that are socially and culturally sensitive.
- You will develop respectful and inclusive professional practice and learn to communicate effectively and appropriately for your audience, including women, children, families, bystanders, statutory agencies, government workers and other professionals.
Career outcomes
After successful completion of this graduate certificate, your career prospects include roles in:
- Family violence intake, response and/or case management
- Preventing violence against women
- Family violence policy, advocacy and/or research
- Management
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative total fee in 2026: $14,880 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Additional expenses:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): $373 maximum fee for 2026.
- Other items related to your program include field trips, textbooks and equipment.
The amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis. These fees should only be used as a guide.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
