Abuse and violence in families affects an alarming number of Australians on a daily basis and GPs are in a unique position to help curb the epidemic through prevention, identification and response.
To best support GPs in their efforts to deal with abuse and violence, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has released the latest version of its Abuse and violence: working with our patients in general practice, 4th edition guidelines (the White book).
RACGP President, Dr Liz Marles said abuse and violence is more prevalent in society than most people are aware or would like to acknowledge, presenting in a number of ways that may not be immediately apparent.
“The White book employs a broad definition of abuse including abuse of a physical, sexual, emotional or financial nature.
“It offers GPs accessible, evidence-based guidance to identify and respond to patients presenting with signs of abuse or violence.
“Specifically, the guide focuses on intimate partner and sexual violence and children experiencing abuse, as these are the most prevalent demographics that present in general practice.
“GPs are encouraged to enquire about their patients’ circumstances if they show clinical indicators of abuse or violence as understanding and naming the abuse is the first step towards breaking the silence,” said Dr Marles.
Whilst the RACGP acknowledges that not all survivors of abuse are women and not all perpetrators are men, research indicates that men are the perpetrators in the majority of cases for child abuse, sexual assault and intimate partner abuse1 .
However, much of the advice provided in the White book is relevant for violence and abuse at the hands of both sexes, and may be relevant for cases of abuse and or violence against men.
“It is important GPs understand the nature of violence and abuse so they can help break the intergenerational cycle.
“This includes identifying predisposing risk factors, knowledge of early signs and symptoms and managing the consequences of violence and abuse,” said Dr Marles.
The latest edition of the White book includes two new chapters regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and migrant and refugee communities.
The RACGP believes GPs are in a position to help curb the alarming rate of abuse and violence in Australian communities and remains committed to providing up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines to assist them in their efforts.
The RACGP will continue to work other agencies and those in the community committed to reducing abuse and violence in families.
1 Taft A, Hegarty K, Flood M. Are men and women equally violent to intimate partners? Aust NZ J Public Health 2001;25:498–500.