Everyone has the right to be free from violence and abuse, and to feel safe and respected in their family and relationships. However, alarming levels of family and domestic violence and abuse predominantly affecting women and children across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are a major health issue. Significant and impactful shifts in current approaches are required to save more lives.
Family and domestic violence and abuse is a leading contributor to chronic ill health and premature death in Australian and New Zealand women. The impact is long lasting and intergenerational and disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Māori and LGBTQI+ people, those with a disability, people from non-dominant backgrounds, and people living in rural and remote areas. Shame and fear can also prevent people from seeking support, as can community attitudes and a lack of understanding of the complex factors involved.
Emergency departments are often the only places people can access help during a crisis.
A community-wide, whole-of-system approach is needed to address family and domestic violence and abuse, including coordinated in-hospital and multi-agency processes, to ensure people access the necessary care and support.
ACEM is committed to ensuring that EDs are places of refuge and support for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence and abuse. Consultation with the College’s expert committees, family violence specialists and people with lived experience informs the College’s efforts to improve outcomes.
The College is currently updating its Policy on Identifying and responding to Intimate partner (domestic) violence in the emergency department. ACEM members are invited to read the consultation draft and provide feedback via [email protected]. The closing date is 12 November.
The College will continue working towards a future where all EDs are supportive environments for people living with and experiencing family and domestic violence and abuse to access culturally safe, compassionate and sensitive treatment and local pathways to safety.
This is a demanding and challenging task, but it is necessary to help lessen the trauma and suffering caused by family and domestic violence and abuse across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
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.