Women and children leaving family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) will receive wraparound health care through an Albanese Government pilot program launched this month in Gippsland, Victoria.
In Australia, one in four women have experienced family or domestic violence and one in five have experienced sexual violence from the age of 15.
The Supporting Outreach Healthcare for Victim-Survivors of FDSV pilot program in Gippsland will boost health care in women’s crisis accommodation and related services.
The pilot program is designed to reduce barriers to care by improving coordination across health and social services.
Gippsland Primary Health Network (PHN) has commissioned Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) to embed a team of nurses, allied health professionals and social workers into GLCH’s Family Violence Service to address primary health needs.
The Gippsland PHN has received $967,200 over two years to deliver the pilot - operating across Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Bruthen, Metung, Nowa and surrounding townships.
In addition to providing direct health support for victim-survivors, the program will strengthen the capacity of local health providers through training, consultation and partnership.
As part of the Government’s $6 million investment five more pilot programs will operate through the Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN; Central and Eastern Sydney PHN; South Eastern NSW PHN; Northern Queensland PHN; and Western Queensland PHN.
Each pilot will implement a place-based model of care tailored to the needs of local communities.
The Government, in conjunction with state and territory governments, is taking action on all forms of gender-based violence through the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
The National Plan recognises the importance of all people experiencing FDSV being able to access support and services.
Since 2022-23 the Government has invested more than $4 billion in initiatives to support the National Plan, with a further $4.4 billion in new funding to address gender-based violence and respond to the Rapid Review into Prevention Approaches.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“The Albanese Government is committed to supporting, protecting and promoting the health and wellbeing of all Australians, including keeping them safe.
“Family, domestic and sexual violence is a major health and welfare issue.
“The Supporting Outreach Healthcare for Victim-Survivors of FDSV pilot program will make sure women, children and young people affected by violence can get the support and care they need, where they need it.”
Quotes Attributable to Assistant Minister Kearney:
“As a former nurse, I know that health care systems are often the first place a person will disclose family, domestic and sexual violence. Workers need support to best respond during these critical moments.
“Seeking support after family, domestic and sexual violence should not be retraumatising; that’s why wraparound care is so important.
“From heart health to sleep problems to anxiety and depression, trauma can have detrimental impacts on your body. Healthcare in the aftermath of shock is important.”