Tuesday 25 November marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which is a global campaign that runs through to Human Rights Day on 10 December.

We’re proud to support this campaign and to deliver the Care and Connect Program, funded by the Federal Government. This program helps victim-survivors of domestic, family, and sexual violence in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith areas. Domestic violence can impact anyone, regardless of background and addressing this issue requires a whole-of-system approach.

An important part of combatting domestic, family and sexual violence is increasing awareness around what it actually is, the signs and symptoms that someone may be experiencing abuse, or could be at risk and upskilling those who are in a position to help.

Did you know more than one in five patients make their first disclosure of domestic and family violence to their GP? This shows how vital general practice is in creating safe spaces for these conversations.

Our Care and Connect Program provides GPs and their staff with specialised training to identify patients at risk and respond safely and compassionately. Through the program, GPs and patients can access Care and Connect Linkers, who are specially trained support workers who can help with safety planning, housing, counselling, financial support and even referrals to behaviour change programs for individuals who use violence. Linkers are available to all practices across the region and co-locate with several local practices, making it easier for victim-survivors to access help in a safe and supported environment.

Last week, we were joined by Susan Templeman MP, Federal Member for Macquarie, and staff at Myhealth North Richmond, a practice involved in the program. We listened as the Practice Manager, Madi Herrington, Practice Nurse - Christine Robinson, General Practitioner - Cristina Arguedas and Care and Connect Linker, Jodie Eyres, each shared their own stories on how the program has benefitted their patients, team and wider community. Hearing about the impact a program like this is having on the ground reiterates the importance of embedding domestic, family and sexual violence services into healthcare to ensure people can seek support in a safe and supported environment.

L to R: Kate Tye - Executive Manager, Primary Care Development, Wentworth Healthcare, Dr Cristina Arguedas - GP, MyHealth North Richmond, Susan Templeman MP - Federal Member for Macquarie, Madi Herrington - Practice Manager, MyHealth North Richmond, Jodie Eyre – Care and Connect Linker, Relationships Australia, Christine Robinson - Practice Nurse, MyHealth North Richmond, Penny Wood - Coordinator Domestic Family Violence Programs, Wentworth Healthcare, Lizz Reay – CEO, Wentworth Healthcare.

We know that the holiday season can be a high-risk time for violence. If you or someone you know needs help, 24/7 support is available through 1800RESPECT or Link2Home on 1800 152 152.

If you are in immediate danger, call 000.