Navigating the sensitive topic of violence, abuse, and neglect in clinical practice can be challenging for GPs, especially when there's concern about causing further harm to survivors. In this insightful podcast, we explore practical strategies to help GPs build confidence in addressing these critical issues.
Listen in as we discuss:
• Common barriers GPs face, such as fear of triggering patients, lack of confidence, and navigating referral pathways.
• The importance of fostering trust and reducing shame through compassionate, patient-centred responses.
• Real-world case studies, top tips, and expert insights on how to respond effectively and create a safe, supportive space for patients.
• Practical tools and clear referral pathways to empower GPs in their role as frontline responders to violence and abuse.
By the end of this episode, GPs will be better equipped to handle disclosures of violence, abuse, and neglect, ensuring they provide the best care and support to those in need.
Resources:
STI guidelines (ASA) link - https://sti.guidelines.org.au/populations-and-situations/adult-sexual-assault/
ITIC framework link - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/patients/trauma/Publications/itic-framework.pdf
RACGP AJGP article 'They made a hard day feel a little easier' - https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2025/march/they-made-a-hard-day-feel-a-little-easier
VAN Health Pathways: Violence, Abuse and Neglect HealthPathways are available from South West Sydney Primary Health Network as the VAN Lead Region PHN, including:
• Domestic and Family Violence
• Adult Strangulation
• Adult Sexual Assault
• Physical Assault and Injury Recording
Link to the log-in HealthPathways page: https://sws.communityhealthpathways.org/welcome?returnUrl=%2f?
All content for RACGP - The GP Edition is the property of RACGP - The GP Edition and is served directly from their servers
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Navigating the sensitive topic of violence, abuse, and neglect in clinical practice can be challenging for GPs, especially when there's concern about causing further harm to survivors. In this insightful podcast, we explore practical strategies to help GPs build confidence in addressing these critical issues.
Listen in as we discuss:
• Common barriers GPs face, such as fear of triggering patients, lack of confidence, and navigating referral pathways.
• The importance of fostering trust and reducing shame through compassionate, patient-centred responses.
• Real-world case studies, top tips, and expert insights on how to respond effectively and create a safe, supportive space for patients.
• Practical tools and clear referral pathways to empower GPs in their role as frontline responders to violence and abuse.
By the end of this episode, GPs will be better equipped to handle disclosures of violence, abuse, and neglect, ensuring they provide the best care and support to those in need.
Resources:
STI guidelines (ASA) link - https://sti.guidelines.org.au/populations-and-situations/adult-sexual-assault/
ITIC framework link - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/patients/trauma/Publications/itic-framework.pdf
RACGP AJGP article 'They made a hard day feel a little easier' - https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2025/march/they-made-a-hard-day-feel-a-little-easier
VAN Health Pathways: Violence, Abuse and Neglect HealthPathways are available from South West Sydney Primary Health Network as the VAN Lead Region PHN, including:
• Domestic and Family Violence
• Adult Strangulation
• Adult Sexual Assault
• Physical Assault and Injury Recording
Link to the log-in HealthPathways page: https://sws.communityhealthpathways.org/welcome?returnUrl=%2f?
Stigma and discrimination faced by people with lived or living experience of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) can create barriers for people seeking care and can result in people seeking services only when their physical and psychological needs are acute or avoiding services altogether. On the other hand, respectful relationships between patient and healthcare providers can improve communication and lead to better therapeutic relationships and health outcomes for patients. General practitioners play a pivotal role in supporting access to care but also in supporting healthy lifestyles.
This podcast aims to raise awareness of the impact of stigma and discrimination and to give General Practitioners the opportunity to reflect on attitudes and behaviours that may impact patients with a lived experience of AOD use. It also touches on the implementation of SafeScript NSW and using this opportunity to engage with patients about their care and support needs.
It is an insightful discussion in a three-part series between a GP, Dr James Ibrahim, the CEO of NSW Users and AIDS Association, Dr Mary Harrod together and three consumers – Frannie, Kevin and Anna, who have generously shared their stories and experience.
• Episode 1: Dr Ibrahim, Dr Harrod and Frannie discuss stigma and discrimination and the importance of language in patient interactions
• Episode 2: Dr Ibrahim, Dr Harrod and Kevin discuss the patient experience of stigma and discrimination and how it affects patient care and outcomes
• Episode 3:Dr Ibrahim, Dr Harrod and Anna discuss SafeScript – how to approach the conversation with patients and use the opportunity for broader discussions about patient care
Resources:
Language Matters Resource (www.nada.org.au/resources/language-matters/) provides workers with best-practice guidelines on how to use language to empower patients and reinforce a person-centred approach.
SafeScript NSW (www.safescript.health.nsw.gov.au/health-p…itioners provides prescribers and pharmacists with real-time information about a patient’s prescribing and dispensing history for certain high-risk medicines such as opioids and benzodiazepines to improve clinical decision making and patient safety.
RACGP - The GP Edition
Navigating the sensitive topic of violence, abuse, and neglect in clinical practice can be challenging for GPs, especially when there's concern about causing further harm to survivors. In this insightful podcast, we explore practical strategies to help GPs build confidence in addressing these critical issues.
Listen in as we discuss:
• Common barriers GPs face, such as fear of triggering patients, lack of confidence, and navigating referral pathways.
• The importance of fostering trust and reducing shame through compassionate, patient-centred responses.
• Real-world case studies, top tips, and expert insights on how to respond effectively and create a safe, supportive space for patients.
• Practical tools and clear referral pathways to empower GPs in their role as frontline responders to violence and abuse.
By the end of this episode, GPs will be better equipped to handle disclosures of violence, abuse, and neglect, ensuring they provide the best care and support to those in need.
Resources:
STI guidelines (ASA) link - https://sti.guidelines.org.au/populations-and-situations/adult-sexual-assault/
ITIC framework link - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/patients/trauma/Publications/itic-framework.pdf
RACGP AJGP article 'They made a hard day feel a little easier' - https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2025/march/they-made-a-hard-day-feel-a-little-easier
VAN Health Pathways: Violence, Abuse and Neglect HealthPathways are available from South West Sydney Primary Health Network as the VAN Lead Region PHN, including:
• Domestic and Family Violence
• Adult Strangulation
• Adult Sexual Assault
• Physical Assault and Injury Recording
Link to the log-in HealthPathways page: https://sws.communityhealthpathways.org/welcome?returnUrl=%2f?
