Australia's health practitioner regulators have united to release a Joint Statement on Family Violence by Regulators of Health Practitioners, reinforcing their shared commitment to addressing family violence as a critical public health issue. Released during the UN Women's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the statement sets clear expectations for practitioner conduct and highlights the role of health professionals in identifying and responding to family violence.
The statement acknowledges the disproportionate impact of family violence on women and children and emphasises that violence is always the responsibility of the perpetrator. It also outlines the serious regulatory consequences for health practitioners found to be perpetrators of family violence, including suspension, registration conditions, or cancellation.
Page one of the three-page position statement by Ahpra and other health regulators, on Family Violence. View the full PDF
Health practitioners are often the first point of contact for victim-survivors of family violence and play a pivotal role in early detection, support, referral, and specialised care. Regulators stress that practitioners must act ethically and professionally to uphold the public's trust and ensure victim-survivors feel safe seeking care. Health care workers are obliged to help stop the patient experiencing any more harm.
The National Lived Experience Advisory Council for Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence provided valuable insights during the development of the statement.
This joint effort by Ahpra, Health Care Complaints Commission in NSW, Health Professional Councils Authority in NSW and the Office of the Health Ombudsman in QLD aims to foster a trauma-informed response to complaints, prioritising the safety and dignity of victim-survivors. It also highlights the critical role of the health sector in preventing harm and addressing the systemic drivers of violence.
For more information, read the Joint Position on Family Violence by Regulators of Health Practitioners, also available in an Easy Read version.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing family violence, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
