Fundamentals of Domestic and Family Violence Support
Recognise family violence and know how to respond safely.
Start your learning in domestic and family violence
The Fundamentals of Domestic and Family Violence Support is a short introductory course for people in Australia who want to understand domestic and family violence and respond safely. You'll learn about physical, economic and digital abuse, coercive control, the social and cultural drivers of violence and the impact on children.
The course also covers risk assessment and safety planning, the support services and legal protections available and how people recover. It's a practical first step for anyone. It's also the recommended pathway into the Advanced Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence Support.
What you will cover
- Types of abuse and coercive control
- Social and cultural drivers of violence
- Risk assessment and safety planning
- Support pathways and legal protections
- Recovery and the therapeutic journey
- Advocacy, red flags and green flags
Approved by the Australian Counselling Association
Fundamentals of Domestic and Family Violence Support is approved by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) as professional development for ACA members. Counsellors can complete it as part of their ongoing professional development, building their skills in responding to domestic and family violence.
6 modules, 23 lessons
Lessons are made up of reading, videos and step-by-step tutorials, with a self-assessment quiz after each lesson and written assignments marked on competency.
1Professional Support Pathways & Therapeutic Recovery
4 lessons
- Multi-agency support ecosystem (“No Wrong Door”)
- Legal mechanisms: IVOs/DVOs, tenancy rights, Safe at Home
- Neurobiological healing and trauma-focused therapy
- Financial reclamation and workplace protections
2Specialised Recovery & The Therapeutic Journey
4 lessons
- Advanced therapeutic modalities: TF-CBT, EMDR, Narrative Therapy
- Creative and somatic therapies
- 6-step roadmap to recovery: safety, support, legal, independence, emotional healing, resilience
- Rebuilding trust and boundaries
3Advocacy, Green Flags, and the Future
4 lessons
- Post-traumatic growth and survivor empowerment
- Mentor-Survivor peer support model
- Identifying green and red flags in relationships
- Safe digital advocacy and systemic contributions
4Varieties of Mistreatment & The Mechanics of Control
3 lessons
- Physical, environmental, economic, and digital tactics
- Coercive control, impression management, and traumatic bonding
- Clinical implications: C-PTSD, ABI, and somatic effects
5Societal and Cultural Drivers of Violence
4 lessons
- Social-Ecological Model and gender inequality
- Cultural norms, immigrant experiences, and colonial impacts
- Intergenerational trauma and child neurobiology
- Global comparison of DFV laws and interventions
6Risk Assessment & Safety Planning
4 lessons
- Static vs. dynamic risk factors, high-lethality indicators
- Survivor-centred response principles
- Practical safety planning: Go-Bag, environment, digital discretion
- Professional referral pathways and Warm Referrals
Where this course can take you
After graduating from the Fundamentals of Domestic and Family Violence, most students elect to continue on to our Advanced Certificate in Domestic and Family Violence Support, to continue to build a deep understanding within the space and to excel within the space.
Some roles need further training or qualifications, such as a nationally recognised qualification or a Working with Children Check. Courses4me does not guarantee employment.
Self-paced, with a tutor behind you
Study when you have time and when you are motivated. The course takes about 15 hours from start to finish; most students graduate within 12 months.
Lessons are made up of reading, videos and step-by-step tutorials, so every kind of learner stays engaged.
Enrolling is made simple via our online enrolment form, if you'd prefer you can also enrol over the phone with our team on 1300 100 008.
You receive an orientation call when you start, then an assigned tutor marks your assignments for the rest of the course.
Multiple-choice self-assessments after each lesson (unlimited attempts) and written assignments marked on competency, with resubmissions.
Receive a hard and digital copy of your certificate and transcript, plus our job-ready program for graduates.
Choose how you pay
Pay upfront and save $100, or start now with an interest-free plan, paid weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Payment plans need an active Australian or New Zealand bank account.
Courses4me does not receive government funding. If you are applying for payment assistance, ask us for a Confirmation of Enrolment. On a payment plan, your certificate is released once the plan is paid in full.
$499 $399
One payment, full access straight away.
- Credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay
- Bank transfer
- Best total price
$19.19 / week
Interest-free, $499 in total. Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly:
- 6 months $19.19/wk · $38.39/fn · $83.17/mo
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (24/7). In New Zealand call 111, or Women's Refuge on 0800 733 843. Studying this course is not a substitute for professional help.
Is Courses4me accredited?
Yes. All of our courses are endorsed by the IARC (www.iarcedu.com) and accredited by ICOES (www.icoes.org). ICOES has an independent board of management and an Advisory Board of independent professors who developed the Accreditation Standards used for the annual review of accredited course providers.
Courses4me is a private education company, not a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). What this means
Download the course brochure
Module outline, study plan and payment options for this course. Enter your details and we will email it to you straight away.
How long does the Fundamentals of Domestic and Family Violence Support take?
It takes about 15 hours from start to finish. The course is self-paced with no due dates; most students graduate within 12 months, and you have unlimited access.
Do I need any qualifications to enrol?
No. No prior qualifications or prerequisites are needed, and you do not need to have finished high school. All you need is a computer, laptop or tablet. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must give written permission and act as financial sponsor.
How much does the course cost?
You can pay $399 upfront (save $100), or choose an interest-free payment plan totalling $499. Plan options: 6 months: $19.19 a week, $38.39 a fortnight or $83.17 a month. Payment plans need an active Australian or New Zealand bank account.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
Completely online. Lessons are made up of reading, videos and step-by-step tutorials. Each lesson has a multiple-choice self-assessment you can retake, and written assignments are marked on competency with tutor support and resubmissions.
When can I start?
Intake is open now. Enrol with our simple online enrolment form (or over the phone on 1300 100 008), and you have access to your course the very next day.
What jobs can this course lead to?
Graduates commonly look at roles such as other career opportunities within the domestic and family violence space include:, dv crisis counselling, facts/cp/docs worker, community outreach support, case management, emergency accommodation/refuge/shelters. Some career outcomes may require further training or qualifications, and Courses4me does not guarantee employment.
Is the course accredited?
All Courses4me courses are accredited by ICOES and endorsed by IARC. Courses4me is a private education company, not a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Can I change my mind after enrolling?
Yes, within the 3-day cooling-off period (weekends and public holidays included): call 1300 100 008 or email support@courses4me.com.au. Requests after the cooling-off period cannot be actioned.
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