Domestic and family violence is a health issue.
Domestic and family violence (DFV) is not only a social issue. It is a significant public health concern. In Australia, DFV is a leading contributor to illness, injury and psychological distress, particularly for women. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 1 in 4 women have experienced intimate partner violence, with DFV contributing to a range of poor physical and mental health outcomes.
For nurses and midwives, this means DFV may appear in hospital wards, maternity services, emergency departments, community health settings, or waiting rooms.
Patients experiencing domestic and family violence may present with physical injuries, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, pregnancy complications, or behavioural changes. In many cases, individuals may not disclose violence directly, making early identification more complex.
Domestic and family violence in healthcare settings
Domestic and family violence is not only prevalent, but also a significant driver of hospital demand. In 2021-22, around 3 in 10 (32%, or approximately 6,500) assault-related hospitalisations were attributed to family and domestic violence, highlighting its substantial impact on the health system (Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 2024).
These presentations may occur repeatedly, with the underlying cause remaining hidden. The impacts are often long-lasting, generational, and frequently hidden, until they present in healthcare settings.
Why nurses and midwives play a critical role
Nurses and midwives are often among the first professionals to recognise signs of domestic and family violence. Regular contact with patients, trusted relationships, and opportunities for private conversations place healthcare professionals in a unique position to identify concerns and provide support.
In practice, many nurses report that when domestic and family violence is identified, the default response is to refer to a social worker. However, social workers are not always immediately available, particularly in busy hospital settings, regional services, or after hours. This means nurses and midwives may need to respond in the moment, often without the opportunity to defer.
A supportive response from a nurse or midwife can make a meaningful difference. Even brief interactions can help individuals feel heard, validated, and more confident in seeking further support.
However, responding to domestic and family violence can be challenging. Healthcare professionals often report uncertainty about how to ask about DFV, what to do following a disclosure, and how to manage safety considerations within clinical environments.
Building confidence and practical skills is essential to supporting safe and effective responses.
DV-alert: Building confidence in responding to DFV
Individuals experiencing domestic and family violence are more likely to disclose when asked in a safe and supportive environment. Even when disclosure does not occur, a respectful conversation can help build trust and increase the likelihood of future help-seeking.
Confidence in responding to domestic and family violence is therefore critical.
Lifeline’s DV-alert training is designed to support frontline workers, including nurses and midwives, with practical tools and knowledge to Recognise, Respond and Refer in domestic and family violence contexts.
The workshops focus on real-world scenarios and practical approaches that can be applied across healthcare settings. Learners develop skills in:
- Recognising signs and forms of domestic and family violence
- Responding safely and confidently
- Referring to appropriate services and supports
These skills can help healthcare professionals respond with greater confidence and clarity, particularly in situations where time and clinical pressures exist.
Why it matters
You may only have 10 minutes with a patient. You may never receive a disclosure. But your awareness, your questions, and your calm, supportive presence can make a meaningful difference. For many people experiencing domestic and family violence, a healthcare interaction may be one of the few opportunities to be seen, heard, and supported.
DV-alert training helps frontline workers understand the complexity of domestic and family violence, including the barriers individuals may face when seeking help. It also helps clarify the role of healthcare professionals: what to look for, how to respond safely, and where to refer for further support.
Learn more
DV-alert is funded by the Department of Social Services and delivered on behalf of Lifeline Australia (RTO 88036). Training is offered at no cost to eligible frontline workers, with financial assistance for travel or staff backfill available in some cases.
Workshops are delivered across all states and territories, with virtual delivery also available. CPD hours are provided, supporting ongoing professional development for nurses and midwives.
To find out more or explore upcoming workshops, visit: www.dvalert.org.au
