Screening for Family Violence
Position Statement - 1 October 2018
Strengthening Hospital responses to Family Violence at Alpine Health
Alpine Health recognises that family violence across the life span is a complex and serious community issue, most commonly experienced by women and their children. It has both immediate and long-term impacts on the physical, psychological and social health and wellbeing of those affected.
As a health service we are in a unique position to identify people at risk, sensitively inquire and make referrals to specialist family violence services if required. By doing so we will help to reduce the incidence of family violence and its impact on individuals, families, the community and the health system.
We will support our staff both professionally and personally in relation to family violence to ensure their wellbeing and safety.
Strengthening Alpine Health’s response to family violence is a process that will engage all staff and community. This work will be rolled out systematically and involves education and changes to our current practices. As an organisation who is committed to improving health outcomes for the residents and visitors to the Alpine Shire, we will provide regular updates about this work.
At Alpine Health we will destigmatise Family Violence and send a clear message that violence against any person is not acceptable and that all people deserve to live with respect and feel safe. As a consequence, routine screening for family violence will become common practice. This will include clients, patients and residents who are accessing health services provided by Alpine Health.
Our vision is a future where our community is free from family violence and where healthy, respectful relationships between women and men are the norm. As a health service we can make a significant contribution to achieving this vision and contribute to changing behaviours and community attitudes through our clinical practices, education and advocacy programs to improve the health of our communities.
► More information about Family Violence and resources go to www.alpinehealth.org.au/ Family Violence
Yours sincerely,
Lyndon Seys
CEO Alpine Health