Domestic violence screening program to improve identification of women needing help across NSW emergency departments

The push comes after recent figures showed the rate of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders handed down had little to no change both in the Riverina and the state over the last five years.

A Wagga women's health advocate said any effort to reduce violence faced by women in their homes was a positive step.

"Emergency rooms will see more of the physical trauma from a domestic violence relationship, but also see that emotional impact and intimidation," Wagga Women's Health Centre's trauma counsellor Leah Anderson said.

The $1.8 million Domestic Violence Screening and Response in Emergency Departments pilot program will enforce a new focus on health workers' ability to screen for domestic violence in six hospital emergency departments.

While the specific hospitals the program will be launched in are not able to be named for safety reasons, Ms Anderson said it was something every hospital should have.

Over the 2015/2016 financial year in the Riverina, a total of 1289 ADVOs were registered. As of the most recent financial year, that number remained reasonably static with 1,116 recorded. While a small decline is evident, the figure still remains at almost three times the state average.

Ms Anderson said it was important to remember that working to improve the issue of domestic violence was not an overnight fix.

"When we look at these types of pilot programs, it generally seems like a drop in the ocean," she said.

"But we know it's a collaborative response, so you can't just look at one area and think 'oh, we didn't notice any improvement,' you have to remember that hospitals themselves will probably see a huge increase in the help they've been able to notice, it just doesn't reflect in the broader statistics.

"We need all those smaller parts to play into the bigger picture though, so this is a very positive step in the right direction, we just need more of those steps to all come together before we start seeing change to that bigger picture."

Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the program offers the widest scale of domestic violence screening of its kind in Australian emergency departments.

"This program will help identify domestic violence so that crucial steps can be taken to protect victim-survivors from harm," he said.

Domestic violence is more prevalent among emergency department users than in most other healthcare and community settings, as it's a 24-hour service with relative anonymity.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said women who experienced domestic violence could be assured of the best possible care and discretion in emergency departments.

"Our emergency department staff are there to help so if a woman is identified as experiencing domestic violence, health workers will speak with her to better understand her needs and any concerns around wellbeing and safety," he said.

"Depending on her individual needs, she may also be provided with further support from NSW Health, or be referred to other support services that can help provide protection and break the cycle of violence."

As part of the process, health workers will also ask about the safety and wellbeing of children and ensure that any risks are appropriately responded to in partnership with the woman.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the pilot project was a welcome addition to routine screening services already available in other areas including mental health, maternity, child and family health services.

"This ground-breaking pilot means we will be able identify more instances of domestic violence and intervene early to protect women and save lives," she said.

The pilot program will run for 12 months with a view to expanding it statewide, depending on the evaluation findings.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 656463) or Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491).