People presenting to healthcare who have experienced violence, abuse and neglect (VAN) need timely, competent and compassionate medical care. For many accessing VAN services, this is a time of crisis and psychological turmoil. Clinicians need to demonstrate a range of complex skills. Providing this care in a way that meets both the needs of the criminal justice system as well as addressing the psychological and emotional needs of the person who has experienced the abuse is essential. Clinicians new to this area of work may find the context challenging.
The courses and resources available through ECAV have been developed to support doctors and nurses in NSW who are called upon to provide care to victims of VAN. This includes providing a medical forensic response to recent victims of assault and understanding a trauma based framework for the ongoing provision of medical care in a vulnerable population.
The medical forensic team trains a growing workforce of medical forensic examiners and provides support and consultation to doctors and nurses working with VAN patients.
NSW Health Education Centre Against Violence is a RACGP QI&CPD accredited activity provider.