Sydney Local Health District

Domestic Violence Routine Screening (DVRS) in Paediatrics
The team aimed to routinely screen eligible mothers/female carers for domestic violence (DV) at the Children’s Ward at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Utilising improvement science, drivers for practice improvement were identified. The program has three essential elements:
  • Education – ongoing education
  • Screening - routine screening on the Children's Ward
  • Response Pathway - social work intervention and/or legal response through the Health Justice Partnership. 
​In the first 46 weeks, 557 screens were completed. There were 22 disclosures of DV - a rate of 4%. All were offered support and free legal advice through the Health Justice Partnership. This has been a valuable program that improves patient safety and facilitates access to specialist support.
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Current as at: Wednesday 3 October 2018
Contact page owner: NSW Ministry of Health