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Abuse and violence: Working with our patients in general practice

Welcome to this third edition of Abuse and violence: Working with our patients in general practice (previously published as the Women and violence manual). In this edition, health practitioners and researchers with expertise in specific areas of sexual and other intimate violence were invited to share their knowledge by contributing to individual chapters.

This publication has been designed for the purpose of assisting general practitioners and their staff in recognising women, men and children who are survivors of abuse and violence, or who are currently involved in violent situations. This is a sensitive issue, both for patients and GPs. However, this guideline may assist GPs to intervene in a positive and empowering manner.

In the context of this guideline, abuse and violence refers to:

• intimate partner abuse (domestic violence)
• perpetrators of intimate violence
• child abuse
• bullying
• adult survivors of child abuse
• sexual assault, and
• elder abuse.

This guideline encompasses issues experienced by specific groups, for example, Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, same sex couples, those with a disability, and cultural and linguistically diverse people.

Rigorous debate surrounds screening and mandatory reporting and there is scant evidence regarding effective interventions for those experiencing violence. There is a danger that the patchy evidence base for how GPs should respond to issues of abuse and violence can result in inaction by GPs. However, it is possible to articulate an appropriate response for GPs when faced with disclosure of abuse, or when they suspect that abuse is occurring. This will empower GPs to act appropriately when dealing with patients suffering past or present abuse.

The issue of violence and abuse involves many services in our community, including children’s services, education, health, and police, as well as the legal and court systems. This is an issue that is often difficult to confront and discuss. It is reflected in the difficulties GPs have in asking about violence and abuse, and the difficulties our patients have in telling their stories. It could be said that at times abuse and violence is a hidden part of the consultation. Because evidence suggests that abuse and violence may have a very damaging effect on patients’ health, this guideline will help GPs play their part in responding to abuse and violence within the community.

This third edition of Abuse and violence: Working with our patients in general practice has been funded by The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and produced with the generosity of the many contributors who gave freely of their time.

Active Learning Module: Abuse and Violence  

A new Active Learning Module (ALM) (40 category 1 QA&CPD points) is now available via webcast, CD or face-to-face delivery. The ALM is based on the new (3rd edition) of the Abuse and Violence manual.

The materials for this education program have been developed over time by Dr Elizabeth Hindmarsh, Dr Cynthia Roberts, Dr Angela Taft and Dr Kelsey Hegarty. Their efforts led to the launch of the updated edition of Abuse and Violence: working with our patients in general practice (3rd edition), referred to as the manual, at the combined RACGP/WONCA conference in October 2008 . This coincided with the delivery of the first face-to-face series of three workshops which were filmed and converted into both the webcast and the CD set.

Components of the ALM

In each instance participants must complete all components of the ALM to be awarded the 40 category 1 QA&CPD points.

These components are:

• Pre-disposing activity – reading the manual,Abuse and Violence: working with our patients in general practice
• Workshop 1: Identifying and Managing Perpetrators, Children and Young People
• Workshop 2: Intimate partner abuse: Responding to Women in General Practice
• Workshop 3: Enabling the GP
• Reinforcing Activity – completing and submitting to the RACGP. (This is provided with the workshops i.e. through the webcast, on the CDs, or at the face-to-face workshops).

1. Accessing the manual

The manual can be accessed online free of charge.

You can also order a hardcopy of the manual. This is free for RACGP members or $30 for non-members. To order a hardcopy of the manual, please use the Order Form.

2. Workshop delivery options for the ALM

Completing the workshop component of the ALM can be completed in one of three ways by:

A. Webcast

The workshops can be viewed by webcast. To access the webcast, click on the link below. You will be prompted to register and pay using PayPal. Follow the instructions online. The webcast costs $55 for RACGP members and $88 for non members (gst inclusive).

Click here for webcast.

B. 3-CD set

The workshops are also available on threes CDs. The CDs can be completed in your own time and are especially convenient for rural and remote GPs. The CD set costs $55 for RACGP members and $88 for non members (gst inclusive).

To order the CD set, please use the Order Form.

C. Face-to-face workshop

Face-to face workshops can be delivered if this style of learning suits you best and where demand exists. Pricing of the workshop will be provided on application.

To register your interest in attending a face-to-face workshop, please use the Order Form.

Last Modified: 9 September 2009