• Charles Sturt University’s Bachelor of Human Services celebrates 50^th anniversary
• The degree is training the next generation of support workers to help combat societal issues, such as domestic violence
• The rate of domestic violence incidents in various regional NSW communities exceeds NSW state figures

Charles Sturt University is helping educate the next generation of support workers to defend against the ever-growing stain of domestic violence on society.

Reported incidents of domestic violence continue to rise in regional communities at a higher rate than their metropolitan counterparts.  

Acting Head of Discipline of First Nations Health in the Charles Sturt School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences Dr Andreia Schineanu said domestic violence is a complex problem rooted in deeply ingrained societal attitudes and structures.

“Domestic violence has far-reaching consequences affecting not only the victims but also their families, communities and society at large,” Dr Schineanu said.

“It leads to physical injuries, mental health issues and can perpetuate a cycle of violence that spans generations.”

According to the latest Bureau of Crime and Statistics and Research quarterly report, the prevalence of domestic violence in various regional communities exceeds that of the state of NSW. For example, the rate is 2.8 in Dubbo, 1.8 in Albury, 1.6 in Wagga Wagga, 1.4 in Bathurst, 1.4 in Orange and 1.1 in Port Macquarie, and furthermore the latter marking an increase in incidents of 8.2 per cent over five years.

Complex societal issues, such as gender inequality, social and economic disparities and cultural norms, contributing to its prevalence requires people who understand the context, the drivers and the consequences of domestic violence.

Dr Schineanu said this is where support workers play a crucial role by providing immediate assistance to victims, helping them navigate legal and social services and offering emotional support and counselling.

“At Charles Sturt University, we recognise the critical role that education plays in addressing domestic violence,” she said.

Charles Sturt’s Bachelor of Human Services is celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2024, boasting five decades of experience in delivering professional, thorough, flexible and targeted education to help combat the evolving nature of issues like domestic violence.

“Our Bachelor of Human Services program is committed to training the next generation of support workers with a curriculum that equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively support victims of domestic violence,” Dr Schineanu said.

“As we commemorate this milestone, we are reminded of the ongoing need for trained professionals in this field.

“By educating our students about domestic violence, we are not only preparing them for their future careers but also contributing to a broader societal change.

“We believe that through education we can challenge the attitudes and structures that perpetuate domestic violence and work towards a safer, more equitable society.”

Over time, the degree has adapted to meet the changing needs of society, including an increased focus on cultural competence, evidence-based practice, increased incorporation of knowledge from related fields like social work, psychology, sociology and public health and a greater emphasis on ethical practice.

Course Director of Human Services in the Charles Sturt School of Social Work and Arts Dr Fredrik Velander said it was also encouraging to see human services become more widely recognised as a professional field.

“We’re helping to train skilled workers who are job-ready upon graduation through our practical and flexible study options, encouraging industry connections and networking opportunities from the beginning,” Dr Velander said.

“The Bachelor of Human Services, which is accredited by the Australian Community Workers Association, also offers six majors in vital areas of need, including mental health and addiction, child, youth and family practice, disability, multicultural welfare, gerontology and healthy ageing and Australian Indigenous communities and culture.”

As Charles Sturt continues to educate students in roles such as domestic violence support work, the University is helping make it easier.

“From 2025, both the Bachelor of Human Services and Bachelor of Social Work will have a common first year to allow easier transition between the two degrees, and there will also be an introduction of three additional exit points,” Dr Velander said.

“Students can choose to exit with an Undergraduate Certificate (32 points), Diploma (64 points) or an Associate Degree in Human Services (128 points), as we acknowledge that life sometimes creates obstacles for students to achieve the full degree.”