Patients in Victorian public hospitals will get the support they need if they’re experiencing family violence, with new funding to train health workers in spotting the signs and offering help.
Victorian Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams announced the funding at the 2019 Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence forum in Bendigo.
The Victorian Budget 2019/20 includes a $7.8 million boost to the Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence initiative.
Under the initiative more than 28,000 healthcare workers in Victorian public hospitals have already been trained to identify and support patients experiencing family violence, learning to recognise warning signs, respond sensitively and respectfully and connect victims to the services they need.
About 130 healthcare workers will attend the forum to improve responses to patients experiencing family violence and embed the program into everyday care.
The Victorian Government is investing $38.4 million over five years to deliver the Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence initiative, in response to Recommendation 95 of the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
Family violence is a national emergency, with one woman murdered at the hands of a current or former partner every week. It is the leading cause of death, disability and illness in Victorian women aged 15 to 44.
When it comes to addressing family violence Victoria has led the way with its landmark Royal Commission that brought down 227 recommendations. The Victorian Government has committed to fulfilling all of them, with more than half completed already.
Source: Vic Government