As White Ribbon Day 2014 draws attention to the alarming prevalence of violence against women in Australia, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) reiterates the vital role GPs play in identifying victims and curbing this epidemic.
One woman is killed every week at the hands of her partner1, and the RACGP’s recently launched Abuse and violence: working with our patients in general practice (4th edition) guidelines (the White book) helps ensure GPs are best placed to treat patients who either report or present with symptoms of violence.
RACGP President, Dr Frank R Jones said GPs are in a unique position to support and protect victims of violence through appropriate prevention, identification and intervention.
“The RACGP recognises that most men will never commit an act of violence against a woman but the number of those who do is certainly higher than people would like to acknowledge,” said Dr Frank Jones.
“Evidence shows that women do disclose abuse to their GPs in significant numbers, particularly if asked directly.
“It is therefore vital GPs are both adequately skilled to identify victims of violence, who may not be forthcoming with this information, and understand the nature of abuse so they can help break the cycle.
“The White book offers GPs accessible, evidence-based guidance to identify and respond to patients presenting with signs of abuse or violence in general practice.
“We know that naming violence against women is the first step towards breaking the silence and GPs are encouraged to enquire about their patients’ circumstances if they show clinical indicators of abuse or violence.”
The RACGP’s White book employs a broad definition of abuse including abuse of a physical, sexual, emotional or financial nature, which frequently interrelate.
“Everyone has a responsibility to lead social change and raise awareness of violence against women in Australia and GPs must be vigilant of the various ways victims may present,” said Dr Jones.
GPs are in an optimal position to address violence against women in Australian communities and the RACGP remains committed to providing accessible, evidence-based guidelines to assist them in their efforts.
The RACGP will continue to work with other agencies and those in the community committed to reducing violence against women in Australia.
The Australian Government provided funding for the White book as part of its National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and Children.
1 Australian Institute of Criminology, Homicide in Australia: 2008–09 to 2009–10 National Monitoring Program annual report, 2013