Gender, Violence and Health

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Classroom / Block Mode

Students will be expected to read the background material provided for each session and to prepare class paper and assignments equivalent to a total time commitment of 96 hours.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Violence is a major concern worldwide, with negative impacts on both men and women. In Victoria, it is currently the major cause of disability, illness and death amongst women of reproductive age. This subject uses a gender framework to consider a broad range of topics including childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Definitions, conceptualizations and prevalence will be discussed in relation to both research and practice. It will:

• Explore the intersection of gender and violence, together with other social and contextual factors, in relation to causation, dynamics and responses.
• Consider the impact of various forms of violence on physical and mental health and wellbeing.
• Examine the barriers, within the community and within research, to understanding and responding to gender-based violence.

It aims to:

• Enhance understanding of the intersection of cultural, social and governance factors with gender and violence.
• Increase awareness of the connection between violence with health
• Develop critical thinking in relation to violence and gender relations
• Apprise participants of ethical considerations associated with research and practice
• Explore current responses to violence in society

Subject Objectives: On completion of this subject students are expected to have a:

• Basic understanding of the intersection of gender relations, health and violence in society
• Basic knowledge of prevalence, causal factors, dynamics and health impacts of gender-based violence
• Understanding of the key issues associated with responding to violence, through research and practice
• Be able to demonstrate knowledge of gender-based violence in relation to measurement, causation, dynamics, health impacts and responses
• Have emerging skills in applying a gender framework to assess research and responses to gender-based violence
• Have emerging skills in critical analysis
• Have good written communication skills

Essay plan of 500 words (20%) due mid-semester. One essay of 3,000 words (80%) due at the end of Semester.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

• examine and interpret evidence
• written communication skills
• skills in searching bibliographic data bases and in synthesising evidence
• ability to frame and sustain an argument

This subject is a Group 1 elective in the Master of Public Health.

Coordinator: To Be Advised