The need for connections with community-based organisations

Clinics, hospitals and other health settings need to have clear referral policies and pathways in place to assist staff to make appropriate referrals to a range of service providers.

This could include in-house support such as domestic abuse advocates or services in the community. The type of support offered following disclosure of abuse will depend on factors such as their current risk level, stage of pregnancy and general health, their support network, the presence of other children, their level of isolation, accommodation needs and access to economic resources.

It is critical that health providers working in maternity settings are aware of the support options in the community for DVA, or at least be able to access that expertise or information internally.

Activity

Does your workplace have a directory of services for referral for DVA and other forms of gender-based abuse? If applicable, please identify below the types of organisations that you/your co-workers refer to, and which needs these services are designed to meet.

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