Dr Carol Kaplanian is a nationally recognised expert in family and domestic violence with a specialist focus on honour-based violence. Her work spans frontline practice, policy, research and education, and is informed by extensive experience across government, non-government and international contexts, including work in Middle Eastern refugee camps.

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Carol holds a PhD in Honour-Based Violence in Jordan, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Social Policy and a Master’s degree in Social Work. She is a highly experienced clinical counsellor who has worked extensively with survivors of torture and trauma. Her specialist practice covers family and domestic violence, sexual assault and sexual violence, child sexual abuse and honour-based abuse, including forced marriage, honour killings, dowry abuse and female genital cutting/mutilation.

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With over a decade of experience in this field, Carol has consulted on high-level and complex cases and has led work in policy development, professional training and education, clinical supervision and the design of counselling programs for both survivors and perpetrators. Her trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach has empowered countless women to reclaim safety, agency and dignity.

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Carol is also an accomplished academic, currently holding a position at the University of Western Australia. She has coordinated courses, taught and supervised Master’s and PhD students, and provided specialist clinical supervision to professionals working in domestic violence and victim engagement. She regularly advises on highly sensitive matters and is a Subject Matter Expert on Forced Marriage for the Australian Federal Police.

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Her work has been recognised through multiple human rights awards. Most recently, Carol was awarded a prestigious Winston Churchill Fellowship to explore the lived experiences of migrant and refugee women affected by family violence. The Fellowship is endorsed and funded by the WA Department of Communities.