MEDIA RELEASE
7 May 2026
NURSES SEE THE SIGNS OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT – INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY
During International Nurses Day on 12 May, Engender Equality acknowledges the role nurses play in breaking the cycle of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and sexual assault.
Engender Equality CEO, Alina Thomas said,
“Nurses and midwives are often among the first professionals to recognise signs of family and sexual violence and child sex abuse.
“They have unique opportunities for private conversations with patients while tests are underway and the opportunity to build trusted relationships.
“Patients experiencing family and sexual violence may present with physical injuries, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, pregnancy complications, or behavioural changes.
“In many cases, individuals may not disclose violence directly, making early identification more complex. A supportive response from a nurse or midwife can make a meaningful difference.
“Even brief interactions can help individuals feel heard, validated, and more confident in seeking further support.
General practitioners and nurses have mandatory reporting obligations under Tasmanian law through the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act 1997 and the Family Violence Act 2004. Fulfilling those obligations is both a legal requirement and a professional responsibility designed to protect children and vulnerable people.
Jess Drew, Manager, Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence Support Program said,
“Our work with general practitioners, nurses, practice managers and reception staff in clinics throughout Tasmania over the past year means they are well placed to respond if their patient chooses to disclose family and sexual violence and child sexual abuse.
“We’ve been working with clinics on our SAVADA framework which encourages them to: Spot the signs; Ask appropriate questions; Validate and believe; Assess risk and safety; Document; and take Action to refer the patients further.
“All general practices and Aboriginal Health Services throughout the State also have a dedicated family and sexual violence support specialist available to provide advice should any patient choose to disclose.
We encourage anyone experiencing family or sexual violence to reach out to their doctor and disclose their situation to whomever they feel most comfortable speaking with, so they can receive help.
Ends.
Media Contact: Alina Thomas 0438 788 291
Additional Information
This Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence Support Program is funded by Primary Health Tasmania (Tasmania PHN), through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program. Engender Equality is a not-for-profit agency leading the program in partnership with Laurel House.
More information including how General Practices and Aboriginal Health Services can connect with the service is available at 03 6268 1663, admin@pcfsv.org.au or https://engenderequality.org.au/pcfsv/.