For staff working with patients who disclose family violence
Evidence shows that family violence can become more frequent and severe during periods of emergency, with some hospitals reporting higher identification rates of family violence at this time.
Please continue to refer your patients to Social Work. We are also available for clinical consults re: child safeguarding, family violence or elder abuse (PH: 0481 906 328).
We have been advised that Domestic Violence Victoria is working with the specialist family violence sector, Family Safety Victoria and Victoria Police to develop specialist family violence service delivery continuity plans to ensure that victim survivors of family violence have access to services and support throughout the pandemic period.
The Lookout’s message to all victim-survivors, family and friends, and other service providers is that specialist family violence services are open and available for support and advice for anyone experiencing family violence who is worried about how potential self-isolation or quarantine will impact on their safety and well-being https://www.thelookout.org.au/family-violence-workers/covid-19-and-family-violence.
You can continue to refer to Family Violence services as usual such as:
• Women’s Health West PH: 9689 9588
• Safe Steps PH: 1800 015 188
• 1800RESPECT PH: 1800 737 732
• Mens Referral Service PH: 1300 766 491
This tip sheet provides information about how to work with patients using telehealth or phone.