Family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) is a significant public health issue and WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) is guiding Australian Government investment to support Western Australians whose mental and physical health is impacted by violence and abuse.
A new system integration service is being piloted in the Perth South Primary Health Network (PHN) region to increase the capacity of GPs, practice nurses and Aboriginal health services to support patients impacted by FDSV.
The Perth South FDSV Local Link will help busy general practice teams to intervene early and work collaboratively with specialist FDSV providers to connect victim-survivors to the support they need.
Following a competitive open tender procurement process, WAPHA has appointed Anglicare WA to operate Perth South FDSV Local Link services.
As the local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Derbal Yerrigan Health Service is being funded as part of the Perth South FDSV Local Link, to build their capacity at their Maddington clinic to support local Aboriginal families affected by violence and abuse.
WA Primary Health Alliance Executive General Manager Primary Care, Tony Mottershead says the Perth South FDSV Local Link has been shaped by consultation with lead agencies, local FDSV service providers and peak bodies to adapt a national trial model to meet the local needs of this region.
“Through providing direct access to specialist FDSV providers, the Perth South FDSV Local Link can help busy GPs and practice teams to intervene early and work collaboratively to connect victim-survivors to the advice, resources and other supports they need.”
Anglicare WA will be partnering with Starick Services to embed part-time social workers in participating general practices in the cities of Armadale, Gosnells and Canning to support GPs and practice nurses to:
- Enhance their skills and confidence in responding to victim-survivors.
- Create safe environments for disclosure.
- Work collaboratively with specialist FDSV providers to improve care pathways
Anglicare WA Director of Services, Philippa Boldy, said they are proud to be partnering with Starick to deliver this new family, domestic and sexual violence pilot program in the Southeast corridor of Perth.
“Our organisations both have an extensive history in the delivery of impactful services for those impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence and we look forward to partnering with local GPs in this new initiative to ensure more responsive pathways for victims and survivors.”
The initial focus of the Perth South FDSV Local Link will be on building the capacity within five partner practices before expanding the reach of the Perth South FDSV Local Link to accept referrals from any general practice in the cities of Gosnells, Canning and Armadale.
WAPHA is also partnering with Phoenix Support and Advocacy Service, Sexual Health Quarters and other specialist training providers to coordinate tailored, needs-based training that further supports primary care professionals in the region.
As a priority action under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022–2032, WAPHA’s Perth South PHN is one of twelve PHNs identified as by the Australian Government to pilot an approach to supporting primary care to respond to FDSV.
This activity is supported by funding from WA Primary Health Alliance through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.