Medical education and training
The SARC education and training team provides education opportunities for professionals, volunteers and students in Western Australia.
eLearning
Early response to sexual assault in WA
Information for health care workers in using the new SARC Kits when responding to sexual assault in adolescent and adult patients.
New SARC Kits for early response to sexual assault are being launched across WA in April 2025 and have replaced the previous version of the Early Evidence Kit (EEK). This package aims to support health care workers in using the new Kits.
To access the Early Response to Sexual Assault in WA eLearning package:
- WA Health employees: access through MyLearning (external site) search the catalogue for "SARC".
Videos and supporting documents are also available on the staff SARC Education SharePoint (external site). - Private WA Hospitals please contact your Education and Training department for access.
- Aboriginal Medical Services sites and other organisations who stock Early Evidence Kits please complete a form (external site) to receive a password.
- Mining industry: access to the eLearning is not yet available. Updates will be provided soon.
Non-fatal strangulation
Information on the medical and forensic assessment and management of patients who present after non-fatal strangulation.
- Suitable for medical, nursing and allied health staff
- Includes information on medical and forensic assessment and management of NFS
- Addresses safety risks when NFS occurs in the context of domestic violence
- Consists of seven modules, containing short videos
- Modules can be accessed independently of each other
To access the NFS eLearning package:
- WA Health employees: access through MyLearning (external site)
Note: this package is only available to select disciplines. If the package is relevant to your role, it will display on your MyLearning dashboard. If the package doesn’t display and you would like to apply, please complete the guest access process below. - Guests (outside of WA Health): complete a form (external site) to request a login which will be emailed to you.
Sexual trauma and responding to disclosures of sexual assault (psychosocial)
Please note this is not the eLearning for use of new SARC Kits.
This package focuses on sexual trauma, its effects and how to respond from a psychosocial perspective.
- 2 to 2.5 hours duration
- Free
- Includes two quiz sections
To access the eLearning package:
- WA Health employees: access through MyLearning (external site)
Note: in MyLearning, scroll down to ‘Women and Newborn Health Service catalogue summary’ and look for the SARC logo - Guests (outside of WA Health): complete a form (external site) to receive a password
Access the eLearning package (external site)
Teaching: face-to-face and online
Forensic Training Program
SARC aims to deliver the Forensic Training Program in Perth once a year and at two regional locations each year. Regional Forensic Training Programs will be organised and funded by the relevant WACHS district. Any doctors or RNs working in regional areas, or intending to do so, are eligible to apply to attend a Forensic Training Program. WACHS staff will determine who will attend all Forensic Training Programs.
- Course Overview (PDF)
- Three full days
- Suitable for regional doctors, registered nurses, midwives
- Successful participants will be qualified to collect forensic specimens following sexual assault as approved by WA legislation, Criminal Investigation Act Amendment 2011.
Expressions of interest for the next available course.
- Doctors, Midwives and Registered Nurses working for Western Australian Country Health Service (WACHS) - EOI information (PDF)
- Doctors, Midwives and Registered Nurses working outside WACHS - EOI information (PDF)
Metropolitan hospital presentations
SARC can provide education for metropolitan hospital staff on the emergency management of sexual assault and using SARC forensic kits (including Early Evidence Kits).
Please email SARCTraining@health.wa.gov.au with your request.
Presentations for regional and remote areas
A series of online sessions are offered throughout the year – 2025 online sessions (PDF). Registration not necessary.
- Responding to sexual assault
- Using SARC forensic kits (including Early Evidence Kits)
- Forensic case studies
Presentations for medical students
The SARC medical forensic team deliver presentations to UWA, Curtin and Notre Dame medical schools.
Please email SARCTraining@health.wa.gov.au with your request. A fee may be associated with attendance.
Presentations for other agencies
The SARC medical forensic team can deliver education sessions for GPs at GP-specific educational events, WA Police, the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions, St John Ambulance, and other agencies.
Please email SARCTraining@health.wa.gov.au with your request. A fee may be associated with attendance.
Information and resources
Multiple information fact sheets are available for free download:
