Violence against women: an education program for rural community health workers

This study aimed to identify the educational needs of community-based rural health professionals regarding violence against women, and was funded under the Rural Health Support, Education and Training (RHSET) program. Focus groups and teleconferences were conducted with health workers, organisations and key individuals in the Wide Bay Region, Queensland, Australia. As a result, an education package has been designed that will provide specific training in violence against women for rural and remote health professionals working in the field. Rural health community workers identified the need to enhance their intervention skills and understanding on the issue of violence against women. A distance education framework based on adult and guided learning principles has been developed to meet this need. Six areas were identified as important learning needs and included: (i) violence against women as a public health concern; (ii) The role of the community health worker; (iii) How the community health worker can empower women experiencing violence in their lives; (iv) Enhancing and developing supportive networks; (v) Building on community development action; and (vi) 'Where to next' for community health workers.