In recognition of this critical role, the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM; the College) has released updated guidance for EDs in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in identifying, responding to, and safeguarding victim-survivors of FDVA, including their whānau, family and children.
In 2024 the College committed to ensuring that EDs are places of refuge and support for victim-survivors of FDVA and consulted with members and family violence specialists. ACEM has released P39 Identifying and responding to family and domestic violence and abuse in the emergency department, containing updated guidance recognising the vital role that EDs play in encouraging victim-survivors of FDVA to seek help.
Health professionals are in a unique position to identify and respond to FDVA. Many people who experience abuse will not approach a FDVA-specific service but will interact with ED health professionals at times of heightened risk or seek treatment for injuries or medical conditions arising from violence perpetrated against them.
While FDVA affects people of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations and socio-economic backgrounds, most FDVA-related violence is perpetrated against women by a former or current male intimate partner. The College’s P39 policy recognises that FDVA arises from systemic and structural issues, with more than 23 per cent of women and about 5 per cent of men in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand experiencing abuse from a current or previous partner. In addition, about 13 per cent of Australian children witness this form of violence, while on average, one Australian woman is killed every 11 days by an intimate partner.
ACEM recognises that FDVA disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Māori and LGBTQI+ISB people, those with a disability, people from non-dominant backgrounds, the elderly and people living in rural and remote areas.
The College’s P39 policy advocates that hospitals must recognise FDVA as a complex, multi-faceted issue, requiring coordinated support for victim-survivors and their families.
The policy emphasises the importance of training for clinicians to develop their ability to identify, respond to, and safeguard victim-survivors of FDVA, including their whānau, family and children. Appropriate care for victim-survivors of FDVA should be based on legislation, local protocols and referral pathways, and ensure that patients and their family and/or carers are treated in a culturally appropriate and sensitive manner.
ACEM strongly advocates to all levels of government in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to address shortfalls in the availability of resources and follow-up services available to victim-survivors of FDVA. The College calls for increased funding for the sector to increase service capacity and strengthen the level of support provided.
If you or someone you know is affected by assault or violence in Australia, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, visit 1800RESPECT.org.au, or, in an emergency, call 000. In Aotearoa New Zealand, if you need urgent help call 111 or Crisisline on 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843.
Attributable to ACEM President Dr Peter Allely
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
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