The AMA has launched a new resource to help doctors assist victims of family violence.

The resource - Supporting Patients Experiencing Family Violence: A Resource for Medical Practitioners - provides information about specialist support services including health, mental health, drug and alcohol, legal, family support, and child protection services.

It was produced in collaboration with the Law Council of Australia.

AMA President, Dr Brian Owler, says the medical profession has a key role to play in the early detection, intervention, and treatment of patients experiencing family violence.

“Too many women in Australia experience some form of physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes,” Dr Owler said.

“This is unacceptable for a sophisticated nation like Australia.

“The health effects of family violence in both the immediate victims and their families are devastating.

“Family violence affects people of all genders, sexualities, ages, socio-economic backgrounds, and cultures.

“Men can be victims. Women can be perpetrators. But it is clear that the overwhelming majority of people who experience such violence are women.”

He said domestic violence is a clear public health issue.

“The most prevalent effect is on mental health, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, suicidal, ideation, and substance abuse,” Dr Owler said.

“There are also serious physical health effects including injury, somatic disorders, chronic disorders and chronic pain, gastro-intestinal disorders, gynaecological problems, and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Dr Owler said medical practitioners are some of the best-placed people to provide assistance.

“Health care providers may see more results of violence in their patient contacts than law enforcement agencies,” he said.

“Women experiencing domestic violence will tell GPs more often than any other professional group.

“Responding effectively to family violence requires knowledge of the physical and emotional consequences of the violence, an understanding of appropriate and inappropriate responses, and having good networks with local family violence services.

“The AMA’s resource for medical practitioners provides information from a range of sources as well as information about specialist support services.

“Through this resource, Australia’s doctors can help say no to family violence.”

Supporting Patients Experiencing Family Violence: A Resource for Medical Practitioners is available here.