NSW Health commissioned Dr Sophie Isobel from the University of Sydney to undertake a qualitative review of the practical application of the Domestic Violence Routine Screening Policy Directive. The review aimed to better understand motivations, barriers and enablers for NSW Health clinicians to screen for domestic violence and respond to disclosures of domestic violence in accessible and trauma-informed ways.
The review undertaken in 2023-2024 focused on the experiences of staff working in alcohol and other drug services and maternity services. Project findings are based on results of a statewide survey and detailed focus groups and interviews with clinicians in participating sites in Southern NSW and South Western Sydney Local Health Districts.
The report outlines efforts made by staff to identify and respond to domestic violence in trauma-informed ways and provides evidence and recommendations on workforce capability and support needs to improve outcomes for victim-survivors of domestic violence accessing health services.
The Ministry of Health will continue to work with Local Health Districts and Specialty Health Networks to address the project findings and to implement recommendations to better support workers to safely and effectively routinely screen for domestic violence.
This project is an initiative of the Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect (PARVAN) Unit in the Ministry of Health, funded through the Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence National Partnership Agreement.