Australia’s GPs are reminded of the critical role they play in identifying and supporting victims of abuse and domestic violence this White Ribbon Day.
On Wednesday 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) encourages all GPs to wear a white ribbon as a show of support and unity in appealing for an end to violence against women.
The RACGP has also joined forces with Australia and New Zealand’s peak medical colleges and health bodies in the call to end violence against women.
RACGP President Dr Frank R Jones said GPs were uniquely positioned to identify victims of domestic violence.
“While most men will never commit an act of violence against a family member, the number of those who do is much higher than many people realise and acknowledging violence against women is the first step towards breaking the silence,” Dr Jones said.
“GPs are often the first point of contact for victims of domestic violence, therefore it is vital they understand the nature of violence and abuse and how it could manifest so they can help break what is often an intergenerational cycle.
“This includes identifying predisposing risk factors, understanding early signs and symptoms and managing the devastating consequences of family violence.”
The RACGP sets and provides a Curriculum for Australian General Practice that reflects the fundamental skills and attributes for addressing family violence.
The RACGP’s Abuse and violence: working with our patients in general practice (White book) is an extensive resource for general practitioners providing evidence-based guidance on appropriate identification and response in clinical practice to patients experiencing abuse and violence.
The latest edition offers new insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as well as migrant, refugee and rural communities.
The RACGP has proposed the introduction of Medicare patient rebates to support a national approach to healthcare delivery for women and children experiencing family violence.
These rebates would enable GPs to develop a “Family Health Safety Plan” providing a framework and support for GPs to implement an action plan with their patient, which could include referrals to mother and child and group services.
The RACGP is also currently working with stakeholders to develop adjunct resources, particularly a decision-making pathway for working with perpetrators – an area recognised as needing more attention across the sector.