Extension for Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Pilot

The Australian Government has announced $22.7 million in funding to extend the Supporting Primary Care Response to Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence (FDSV) Pilot.

Adelaide PHN is proud to be part of this critical national program, collaborating with Country SA PHN to lead the work in South Australia.

We recently delivered FDSV and Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) Recognise, Respond, Refer training to the team at Playford Medical Centre.

The staff's commitment to strengthening their skills and knowledge helps ensure general practice remains a safe and supportive place for patients experiencing violence and abuse.

General practice is often the first point of contact for people seeking help. Through the FDSV pilot, we are supporting practices to build confidence in recognising signs of FDSV, responding safely, and connecting patients with the right support services.

The decision to extend the Supporting Primary Care Response to FDSV Pilot follows an interim evaluation report showing the program is strengthening responses in primary care and increasing referrals to specialist FDSV services.

The pilot supports health professionals to recognise signs of abuse, respond safely and develops referral pathways so they can provide better support to victim-survivors and connect them to specialist services.

"Family, domestic and sexual violence has devastating impacts on individuals, families and communities and disproportionately impacts women and children," Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Rebecca White MP said.

"For many victim-survivors, primary care is the first place they seek help, and this program is about ensuring they receive safe, compassionate support from the health professionals they trust.

"The interim evaluation shows this national pilot program is making a difference as part of our Government's commitment to end gender-based violence in one generation."