By Jordan Doherty
Western Health has launched a podcast series aimed at improving support for victim-survivors of family violence.
Hosted by Western Health strengthening responses to family violence manager Assunta Morrone, ‘If only someone had asked’ would be aimed at healthcare workers who interact with victim-survivors.
Episodes would look at the impacts and experiences of family violence on migrant and refugee women, pregnant women, children and older people.
“This new podcast series explores the issue of family violence; what it is and why it occurs; how to identify it when we see it; and how we as a health sector can respond,” Ms Morrone said.
“It features victim-survivors who courageously share their experiences of family violence as well as community and health professionals working to strengthen responses to family violence.
“In my role, I provide advice and information to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals on the best ways to respond to and appropriately refer victim-survivors who need assistance.”
Ms Morrone said a podcast would be a positive way to reach busy healthcare works at a time which suits them
“The lived experiences of our victim-survivors, while often confronting, can help clinicians understand the barriers our patients can face when trying to access support,” she said.
Family violence predominantly affects women and children, with intimate partner violence the greatest health risk factor for women aged 25 to 44, as one in four Australian women have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15.
Western Health chief executive Russell Harrison said the statistics were “shocking”.
“Sadly, they perhaps don’t come as much of a surprise to our clinical staff who have treated patients presenting for injuries or medical conditions relating to family violence,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone who shared their insights and experiences to help build our understanding of family violence and what we can do to better support victim survivors.”
Details: familyviolence.wh.org.au
