To help combat domestic and family violence, the South Australia HealthPathways programme team has developed a robust clinical pathway integrating research evidence and deep sector engagement. 

Domestic and family violence is a huge issue in Australia. According to Women’s Safety Services SA, on average one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner. Intimate partner violence is currently seen as the greatest health risk factor for women in Australia aged 25-44 years. 

Australia’s National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children (2022-2032) and the South Australian Government's Royal Commission into Domestic and Family Violence highlight the critical need for effective interventions.  

Litza Myers, Clinical Coordinator for HealthPathways South Australia says, “It was identified that there was no localised resource for South Australian GPs to access support when their patients were experiencing domestic and family violence. HealthPathways had the capability to provide that resource.” 

GPs are in a unique position to respond to domestic and family violence if they have the right tools. 

Dr Brian Gue, who was conducting research for his GP Registrar training (with support from the University of Adelaide) offered to work with HealthPathways SA to help address these issues by starting to develop a Domestic and Family Violence pathway. 

The research involved focus groups with health professionals working in the domestic and family violence sector, GPs, social service agencies, and others involved in supporting people experiencing domestic and family violence. 

It showed that GPs, who are often the first point of contact for people experiencing violence, face numerous challenges including time constraints and a lack of resources. Simply knowing the right questions to ask could also be a significant intervention step to identify and support people experiencing domestic and family violence. 

“There's so much shame around being in a (violent) relationship and you've been so disempowered, you don't have a voice in the same way another woman might and sometimes they just need to be asked. We need to do it as a standard assessment. It kind of removes the shame,” said one participant. 

The research also showed that the impact of trauma on the mental and physical health of people living with violence is often masked by their survival state until they reach a safe environment. 

The recognition of strangulation as a critical risk factor for severe violence and ongoing clinical risks has led to the development of a specialised strangulation pathway, which is near completion. 

Input from diverse stakeholders ensured the pathway was robust and practical. Dr Suzi Pedler, who joined the HealthPathways South Australia team as a clinical editor, brought essential expertise from her work in clinical forensic medicine at Yarrow Place, a statewide sexual assault response service. 

The resulting pathway provides healthcare providers with tools to support victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. 

Adelaide PHN and Country SA PHN, in partnership, have received Commonwealth funding to participate in Round 2 of a national pilot to strengthen the capacity of the primary care sector to respond to family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) including child sexual abuse, and to support primary care practices to create a space where victim-survivors feel safe to share their story and seek help. Newly developed pathways addressing sexual assault, strangulation, and emergency contraception will soon be available to enhance the support framework for people experiencing violence. 

The project continues to evolve, with current priorities including trauma-informed care, child sexual abuse, and pathways for individuals who use violence. The well-being of clinicians is also a focus, recognising the emotional toll of managing domestic and family violence cases. 

“The development of this clinical pathway for family violence marks a significant achievement, which underlines the importance of collaboration, research, and community engagement. It demonstrates the power of collective effort in addressing one of society's most pressing issues,” says Suzi Pedler, GP Clinical Editor HealthPathways South Australia. 

"Our new pathways not only facilitate immediate response but also foster long-term benefits by equipping GPs with the skills and resources necessary to provide effective ongoing support for domestic and family violence victim-survivors." 

HealthPathways SA is a partnership between SA Health, Adelaide PHN, and Country SA PHN.

More information  

If you’re a member of the HealthPathways Community and would like more information about the Domestic and Family Violence pathway, please contact your community success manager.   

If you’d like to know more about HealthPathways, or if your health jurisdiction hasn’t yet joined the HealthPathways Community, please:  

• See HealthPathways Global for an overview   
• Email info@healthpathwaysglobal.org or phone:  
• Within the United Kingdom: +44 20 3519 1964  
• Within Australia: +61 7 3559 2744  
• Within New Zealand: +64 3 595 2830