The Albanese Labor Government is ensuring that victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) can get trauma informed and holistic care to support their recovery with a $67.2 million investment.
The Supporting Recovery pilot trials a new model of mental health care that will support victim-survivors' longer-term recovery and address trauma-related conditions. The Government is providing $67.2 million to trial the pilot in six Primary Health Network (PHN) regions across the country, including:
- South Western Sydney PHN
- Gippsland PHN
- Brisbane South PHN
- Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN
- Country Western Australia PHN
- Northern Territory PHN
The Supporting Recovery pilot will provide case management, care coordination and trauma-informed mental health care to victim-survivors of FDSV, up to two years.
Each of the pilot sites will be based in existing service providers, reducing touchpoints and bringing together services to ensure an integrated and coordinated approach. Local teams will be appropriately trained in FDSV-specific trauma informed care to enable a sustainable recovery.
The provision of longer-term care aims to promote recovery and healing from FDSV, recognising that health and wellbeing impacts often continue after violence has ended.
Violence against women and children is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia. One in three women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and one in five has experienced sexual violence.
Recovery is an essential component of the holistic approach under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032. It recognises that victim‑survivors need additional, often lifelong, support to recover and heal from trauma and the physical, mental, emotional and economic impacts of violence.
Services have commenced in the in South Western Sydney Primary Health Network region as well as in the Gippsland Primary Health Network region.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family, domestic, or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health distress, you can seek immediate advice and support by calling Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care
Ged Kearney MP:
"Australians are rightly shocked by the violence against women we have seen this year. It must end.
"We know that even after FDSV, the road to recovery can be long - the mental and physical health consequences are significant and long lasting.
"Labor is investing in new and innovative forms of care so that women can get the support they need for their trauma now".
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride MP:
"We know that people this type of violence leads to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic disorder - for many years, and often for life.
"The Supporting Recovery pilot recognises that victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence need support for their recovery long after violence has ended, to truly recover and heal."
