Family violence (FV) damages the social and economic fabric of communities as well as the mental and physical health of individual adults, adolescents, and children.

Studies show that primary health care providers are often the only clinicians that see both the victim of abuse and the perpetrator.

The Primary Care Pathways to Safety project provides tailored support to improve confidence in responding to FV, boost collaboration, and build greater cohesion and coordination across local health, social care, and FV services.

NWWPHN is partnering with the Safer Families Centre at the University of Melbourne to offer general practices in its catchment an opportunity to participate in a training program to enhance their response to FV.

From 2023 to 2026, NWMPHN is providing grant funding for up to 30 general practices to participate. This Expression of Interest is for the latest tranche, comprising 10.

As spots are limited, please indicate your preferred start date in the application form (Part D).

After being accepted and completing the program activities, including reporting and evaluation, each practice will receive funding of $3,000 (excluding GST) paid in 2 instalments outlined in the schedule of payment below.

This training is accredited through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), with these CPD values:

• RACGP: 3 hours educational activity and 4 hours reviewing performance, plus 1.5 hours educational activity for the e-learning component.
• ACRRM: 3 hours educational activity, 3 hours reviewing performance and 1 hour measuring outcomes.
• Nurses receive 6 hours professional development.

Benefits for your practice:

• Incentive payment of $3,000 (excluding GST).
• RACGP and ACRRM accredited CPD activity.
• Facilitated learning workshops with subject matter experts, including GP facilitators and family violence support workers.
• Opportunities to share, network and connect with other practices involved in the project to help implement strategies that take a whole-of-practice approach to effectively recognise, respond and refer disclosures of FV using a trauma- and violence-informed approach.
• Participation in a facilitated quality improvement project that may help to meet the requirements for the Practice Incentives Program Quality Improvement (PIP QI) Incentive.

How to apply

Applicants must complete the application form (in Part D) or the online version.

Hard copy application forms to be submitted to NWMPHN Primary Care Team by email, with supporting documentation (see further details in the application form). This expression of interest will close once all project spots have been allocated. Please submit your application as soon as possible.

To submit applications or queries, email primarycare@nwmphn.org.au