Suite of dentistry-specific domestic and sexual violence resources

This suite of educational resources reflect the inter-disciplinary perspectives of JCU Social Work and JCU Dentistry, and are informed by:

• Social Work theory and knowledge, including the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) (2018) ‘Position Statement on Domestic and Family Violence’; AASW (2018) Family Violence Curriculum Best Practice Guide’; critical theory; feminist theory; intersectionality; social construction/postmodern; human rights and social justice;
• A gendered analysis of DSV;
• Reliance on relevant statistics;
• Trauma-informed theory and practice;
• The practice-wisdom of practitioners working in DSV support services;
• The lived-experience of victim-survivors of DSV; and
• Participatory Action Research, and mixed method research, to gather information and feedback from dental students, graduates and practitioners; domestic violence and dentistry experts; community service providers; and victim-survivors of DSV in 2023 – 2024^1,2,3

The term ‘domestic and sexual violence’ (DSV) is used predominately in this resource. In relation to working with First Nations people in Australia, the term ‘domestic and family violence’ (DFV) is used to reflect the nature of this experience within First Nations communities.⁴ It is acknowledged that domestic violence can be perpetrated without involving the use of sexual violence, and sexual violence does occur outside of an intimate partner setting and without involving domestic violence.⁵

The term ‘victim-survivor’ of DSV is predominately used in this resource. The term ‘victim’ denotes DSV is a crime. The term ‘survivor’ denotes people’s strength and resilience. At times, this document uses the term ‘people who have/are experiencing DSV’ or ‘people who have/are experiencing trauma’ dependent on the context. These terms assist the victim-survivor, and other people, to recognise that the violent behaviour is not attributable to themselves or the relationship, but is attributable to the person perpetrating the violent behaviour. However, mirroring the language people use to describe themselves in relation to their experience of DSV is encouraged.^6,7

The information included in each print resource is correct at the time of publication: 15/07/24. As best practice in the area of DSV continues to develop, educators, students, and staff in the dental profession have a responsibility to keep current with related changes to national and state / territory legislation, policies and guidelines, which need to be implemented within their organisations and dental practice.

This suite of educational resources encourages ‘Best Practice’ for how staff in the dental profession recognise, respond, and refer patients who are victim-survivors of DSV. While this suite of educational resources is underpinned by current research, evidence-informed theory, relevant practice standards, and the socio-cultural-political context, it is not claimed that this suite of educational resources constitute ‘Best Practice’.

Carrington A, Croker F, Lee-Ross A, Keogh S, Dewar S, Townsend C, Chan W. Interprofessional collaboration to develop and deliver domestic violence curriculum to dental students. Australian Social Work, 2023; 1-16.  https://doi.org/10.1080/0312407X.2023.2241445

Carrington A, Croker F, Lee-Ross A, Keogh S, Dewar S. Critical reflections on an interprofessional collaboration to develop domestic violence curriculum in an undergraduate dentistry program, Reflective Practice, 2023; 24(2), 183-196.  https://doi.org/10.1080/14623943.2022.2154753

1. Alston M. Research for social workers: An introduction to methods. Routledge; 2020.
2. Creswell JW, Creswell JD. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage; 2017.
3. Van Acker K, Claes E, Deleu H, Gulinck N, Naessens L, Schrooten M, Flachet T, Moustatine A. Participatory Action Research and urban social work: Strategies for navigating the challenges of participation and reciprocation. J Soc Work Pract. 2021;30(1):3-21.doi: 10.54431/jsi.664
4. Cripps, K. Indigenous domestic and family violence, mental health and suicide. Cat. no: IMH 19. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2023. doi: 10.25816/5wc8-m742
5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia: continuing the national story 2019. AIHW; 2019. doi:10.25816/5ebcc837fa7ea
6. Carrington, AM. The Vortex of Violence: Moving beyond the cycle and engaging clients in change. Br. J. Soc. Work. 2014;44(2):451-468. doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcs116
7. Cox, P. Sexual assault and domestic violence in the context of co-occurrence and revictimisation: State of knowledge paper. ANROWS; 2015.