Resources for health professionals

Resources in response to COVID-19

Safer Families: Read also specific COVID-19 resources

NSW Health has updated their Factsheet on Violence Abuse & Neglect (VAN) and COVID19

HealthEd Podcast: Going Viral – DV during lockdown 

CESPHN Webinar: Domestic and family violence during COVID-19 and beyond

Toolkits and guidelines

HealthPathways Sydney and HealthPathways South Eastern Sydney Clinical portal specifically for health professionals which includes comprehensive domestic and family violence pathways. To obtain a username and password, use the “Register Now” button on the respective site.

It’s time to talk – D&FV Tool kit for GPs Resource to assist GPs with identifying and responding to women and children who have experienced or are experiencing family violence. The toolkit contains guidelines for patient care, as well as some legal information relevant to your role as a GP.

RACGP : Can you identify the warning signs of family violence Professional Development Program including skills to identify and respond to family violence, effective collaboration with broader D&FV sector, self-care in context of D&FV.

RACGP : White Book Abuse and violence- Working with our paients in general practice 

Supporting Patients Experiencing Family Violence Resource developed by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Law Council of Australia for medical practitioners describing how to identify and respond to pattients who have exoerienced or experiening family violence.

When she talks to you about the violence: A toolkit for GPs in NSW Resource developed by Women’s Legal Service NSW

1800RESPECT Disability Toolkit Information including videos, written resources on how to contact and what services are available

Aging and Disability Commission Resources Free toolkits and materials to support your organisation and their response to abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people and adults with disability.

Compass National website navigating elder abuse in Australia.

Safety and reporting resources

Domestic Violence Stafety Assessment Tool Guide (DVSAT) Short guide to the Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool (DVSAT) for service providers working with victims of domestic violence

Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool (DVSAT) Tool designed to assist service providers to identify the level of threat to domestic violence victims

GP Information Sheet – Safer Pathway The role of GPs in referring to Safer Pathway

Safer Pathway Referral Form GP Referral Form to Safer Pathway

1800 RESPECT Safety Planning Checklist

NSW Police: Domestic and Family Violence

Family Violence Law Help National website for people wanting to understand domestic and family violence , the law and where to get help. Includes information about D&FV, family law, child protection law, ADVOs, where to get help

Sexual Assault Reporting Option Online form that people who have been sexually assaulted can complete if they have decided not to make a formal report to police or have their matter investigated. This form can be completed anonymously.

Mandatory Reporting Guide The MRG supports mandatory reporters to:

• determine whether a report to the Child Protection Helpline is needed for concerns about possible abuse or neglect of a child (including unborn) or young person.
• identify alternative ways to support vulnerable children, young people and their families where a mandatory reporter’s response is better served outside the statutory child protection system.

Government resources

Women NSW – It Stops Here: Standing together to end Domestic and Family Violence – NSW Government’s Domestic and Family Violence Framework for Reform

NSW Government: Domestic Violence – Outlines current policy directions/programs and available resources regarding domestic and family violence

NSW Fair Trading – Ending a tenancy because of domestic violence: Health Practitioner Declaration Health Practitioners can assist patients to escape a domestic violence situation in a rented home by making a domestic violence declaration. This allows patient/tenant to end their tenancy immediately without penalty.