DOMESTIC and family violence victims can now access medical treatment for their injuries with more ease through NSW public hospitals.
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The NSW Government has changed its hospital fees policy so that Medicare ineligible victims of domestic and family violence will no longer be required to report the crime to police in order to access public hospitals at no cost.
Hospitals within the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, like Wagga Base, have already been working under a 24/7 crisis Violence, Abuse and Neglect response in emergency departments, but the new policy will see a formal introduction of the support.
"We have always been flexible with our care to make sure patients are getting the support they need regardless of funds, but this will mean a much more formalised approach," MLHD's Manager of Priority Populations, Shannon McMahon, said.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the change follows an Australian Institute of Criminology report that found DFV had risen during the pandemic, but a large proportion of victims were not reporting to police.
"Many women will choose to contact the Domestic Violence Line, specialist frontline domestic violence services or medical care before they're ready to report to police for a range of reasons, including fear of repercussions," he said.
"Those suffering domestic violence need every lifeline we can give them, especially now when COVID-19 measures are potentially forcing victim-survivors into isolation in the same household as the perpetrators of their abuse."
The legitimacy of presentations to MLHD's emergency departments was assessed using a 'holistic' approach, according to Ms McMahon.
"We complete a psycho-social assessment with clients when they present to us with injuries from violence, which is a more holistic look at their position and support to see what is happening in their lives," she said.
"Forensic Medical responses may also be provided as appropriate."
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Ms McMahon said a number of mandatory reporting requirements were to be met by the MLHD in different circumstances around DFV, such as when children are at risk, or for higher risk categories when reporting to police regardless of consent is mandatory.
"However, if a woman presents outside of those mandatory requirements, we do offer whatever help we can to support them," she said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it is vital that people facing violence at home feel safe to seek support and care in public hospitals, without fear of reprisal from perpetrators.
"A tragic, often hidden cost of the COVID-19 pandemic is the rise in violence on the homefront and fewer opportunities to reach out for support," he said.
"The NSW Government is helping to clear the way for victims of domestic and family violence to receive essential medical treatment and care in our hospitals, whenever they need it."
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, when it's safe to do so, you can contact the following supports:
- NSW Domestic Violence Line, for crisis counselling, referral or support on 1800 65 64 63;
- 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling and support services;
- Link2Home on 1800 152 152 who can help refer women experiencing domestic violence to crisis accommodation; and
- Men's Referral Service for men who use violence, or their friends and family on 1300 766 491 or https://ntv.org.au/opens in new window.
If you are in immediate danger or in an emergency, always contact Triple Zero (000).