Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) assist
DFV Assist aims to build the capacity of primary care providers to support patients experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV) through training and a referral support service, which commenced on 1 July 2021
Due to the success of the program, the Department of Health has extended funding to 2026 and expanded the program to include an additional five PHNs (making 11 PHN sites in total). CESPHN continues to partner with Nepean Blue Mountains PHN and Hunter New England and Central Coast PHNs to develop and share educational and promotional activities.
Successes
In the 2022-23 financial year, CESPHN delivered 36 domestic and family violence education sessions to 229 health practitioners. General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Allied Health Professionals and Administrative staff comprised the majority of participants. Outside of training, DFV Assist had 70 instances of engagement, including referral support and resource provision.
Improvements
CESPHN has commissioned the Womens Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program (WDVCAP) to deliver the navigator support service for the DFV Assist program. This will streamline referrals and better connect primary care providers to the DFV sector.
”"Because of the training I now have more confidence in approaching the subject and finding resources for my patients. I have also provided the practice with the DV resources so all practitioners and staff can use the information."
Local GP