Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) recognises that Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence (FDSV) is a significant public health issue and a key determinant of women’s and children’s health.
WVPHN has partnered with Respect 2040, a regional partnership of organisations, local governments, agencies, educational institutions and community groups that are united in ending violence against women in Barwon South West.
Respect 2040 will use 16 Days of Activism to highlight the 2040 vision we are all working towards, in doing so we will show that Respect 2040 is a united partnership determined to prevent violence against women and invite and inspire other groups, organisations and companies to join us.
16 Days of Activism runs from Saturday 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to Sunday 10 December (Human Rights Day). WVPHN is participating in the campaign to build greater awareness of what drives violence against women and to highlight the impactful work of organisations and community groups across the Barwon community taking action to prevent sexual and family violence – showcasing that Together We Can end violence against women.
The Family Domestic and Sexual Violence (including child sexual abuse) pilot project aims to implement support models for early identification and intervention of FDSV, increase capacity and capability of the primary care workforce and improve integration with the broader FDSV service response system.
A core activity of the pilot is to deliver WVPHN’s foundational co-designed family violence training program, titled the “Family Violence A-LIVES (Aware, Alert, Ask – Listen, Inquire, Validate, Enhance Safety, Support) Training and Support Package, to General Practices across the WVPHN Region.
What is the A-LIVES Training and Support Package? Family Violence A-LIVES is at the heart of WVPHN’s mission to equip primary healthcare professionals with the skills necessary to offer more effective support to their patients who are experiencing violence. The training and support package aims to foster a healthcare environment where patients feel seen, heard, and safely guided towards the help they need.