MEDIA RELEASE
16 July 2025
DOCTORS THE KEY TO EARLY INTERVENTION FOR ABUSE OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITY
As the community celebrates people with disability this month, Engender Equality and partners are launching a primary care support program for general practitioners and their staff to identify and respond to family and sexual violence (FSV).
Engender Equality CEO, Alina Thomas said,
“On average, at least 28.1% of women who enter a Tasmanian General Practice, every day, will be victim-survivors of Family and Sexual Violence (FSV).
“Studies have also shown that children with disabilities are between two and four times more likely to experience sexual abuse.
“Engender Equality has partnered with Laurel House and Sexual Assault Support Services to deliver the Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence (PCFSV) support program which aims to support doctors and their staff in identifying and responding to FSV.
“People with disability who also face communication challenges are at heightened risk of interpersonal violence.
“Communication requires that you look for, identify, and remove barriers and actively support people with appropriate devices, communication boards, and your undivided attention.
“While violence being identified by doctors offers the opportunity for early intervention, we must all be vigilant and prepared to respond if we become aware of or suspect anyone is at risk of family or sexual violence,” Ms Thomas said.
Engender Equality is a not-for-profit agency working with and on behalf of individuals, families and communities affected by family and domestic violence in Tasmania. We see gender inequality as both the cause and the context of family violence. Only by actively challenging gender-based oppression can we achieve positive and respectful relationships within healthy, inclusive structures and institutions.
For more information on the PCFSV support initiative email admin@pcfsv.org.au. For any other family and domestic violence matters contact Engender Equality at (03) 6278 9090, admin@engenderequality.org.au or visit our website at www.engenderequality.org.au.
This Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence support initiative is supported by funding from Primary Health Tasmania (Tasmania PHN) through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program.
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Media Contact: Alina Thomas 0438 788 291