Unique in Australia, the Violence Research and Prevention Program aims to produce cutting edge knowledge about the causes, consequences and best approaches to understand, control and prevent violence. The consequences of violence, as well as how best to control and prevent it from occurring, reflect a major and ongoing concern for Commonwealth, State, and Local governments as well as the general community. Violence touches many communities in many forms across Australia. The Violence Research and Prevention Program at Griffith University represents an important step forward in addressing a significant gap across the current university network in Australia.
The program includes an emphasis on independent, rigorous research that is relevant for enhancing knowledge and informing policy and practice. The program involves a multi-disciplinary focus embracing the disciplines of criminology, psychology, medicine, law, economics, sociology, social policy, public health, and social work among other areas.
Program Aims
- increase knowledge and understanding about the causes, consequences, prevention and control of violence
- inform government departments about available evidence on effective policies and programs
- raise public awareness and consciousness about the costs and consequences of violence, and effective prevention strategies
- develop effective research collaborations and partnerships
Program Functions and Focus
The focus of the program includes conducting independent, rigorous research, including primary, secondary, evaluative, and applied research that enhances knowledge and informs policy and practice. The program has four primary functions:
A research and evaluation function
The program includes both pure and applied research as well as opportunities for evaluating violence prevention programs.
An educative function
The program provides unique opportunities for PhD students and post-doctoral fellows. Additionally, the Graduate Certificate in Crime and Violence Prevention provides useful skills for individuals working in government and the practitioner community.
An information dissemination function
The program provides scope to access the latest information about various forms of violence and available evidence on best practice for prevention.
A training and prevention function
The program includes experts with skills in training and violence prevention. The development and delivery of training workshops is a key component of this initiative.