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As Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month raises awareness of the devastating impact of violence within homes, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) reaffirms the critical role of Rural Generalists (RGs) in addressing and preventing family violence in Australia’s most vulnerable communities.
ACRRM president Dr Rod Martin emphasises that Rural Generalists are often the first line of defence for victims of violence.
“Domestic and family violence is not only a personal issue but also a major public health concern,” Dr Martin says.
“RGs are uniquely positioned to identify, respond to, and offer essential care to those impacted by domestic and family violence.
“They have a special role in their community and are one of only a few people available to provide medical care, without the extensive range of support services available to practitioners in urban settings.
“These doctors are highly visible members of their community, with relationships with patients which tend to extend beyond the practice. “They are in a unique position to identify people at risk, deal sensitively with situations and coordinate responses.
“But addressing domestic violence problems in rural and remote communities can put them at significant risk for their own personal safety.
“It is essential we equip our registrars and Fellows with the skills to identify and respond effectively to these situations while also ensuring their own safety and wellbeing is prioritised,” Dr Martin says.
ACRRM’s position on DFV underscores the alarming prevalence of abuse in rural communities and stresses the shared responsibility of the community in tackling this issue.
Women and children in these regions are particularly vulnerable due to various factors, including isolation, limited access to support services, and potential fears of stigma or retribution.
“In this month of awareness, we encourage all RGs, community members, and service providers to stand together in rejecting abuse, supporting those affected, and promoting a culture of safety and respect,” Dr Martin adds.
ACRRM also urges anyone experiencing domestic and family violence to reach out to local support services.
ACRRM president Dr Rod Martin emphasises that Rural Generalists are often the first line of defence for victims of violence.
“Domestic and family violence is not only a personal issue but also a major public health concern,” Dr Martin says.
“RGs are uniquely positioned to identify, respond to, and offer essential care to those impacted by domestic and family violence.
“They have a special role in their community and are one of only a few people available to provide medical care, without the extensive range of support services available to practitioners in urban settings.
“These doctors are highly visible members of their community, with relationships with patients which tend to extend beyond the practice. “They are in a unique position to identify people at risk, deal sensitively with situations and coordinate responses.
“But addressing domestic violence problems in rural and remote communities can put them at significant risk for their own personal safety.
“It is essential we equip our registrars and Fellows with the skills to identify and respond effectively to these situations while also ensuring their own safety and wellbeing is prioritised,” Dr Martin says.
ACRRM’s position on DFV underscores the alarming prevalence of abuse in rural communities and stresses the shared responsibility of the community in tackling this issue.
Women and children in these regions are particularly vulnerable due to various factors, including isolation, limited access to support services, and potential fears of stigma or retribution.
“In this month of awareness, we encourage all RGs, community members, and service providers to stand together in rejecting abuse, supporting those affected, and promoting a culture of safety and respect,” Dr Martin adds.
ACRRM also urges anyone experiencing domestic and family violence to reach out to local support services.
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As Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month raises awareness of the devastating impact of violence within homes, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) reaffirms the critical role of Rural Generalists (RGs) in addressing and preventing family violence in Australia’s most vulnerable communities.
ACRRM president Dr Rod Martin emphasises that Rural Generalists are often the first line of defence for victims of violence.
“Domestic and family violence is not only a personal issue but also a major public health concern,” Dr Martin says.
“RGs are uniquely positioned to identify, respond to, and offer essential care to those impacted by domestic and family violence.
“They have a special role in their community and are one of only a few people available to provide medical care, without the extensive range of support services available to practitioners in urban settings.
“These doctors are highly visible members of their community, with relationships with patients which tend to extend beyond the practice. “They are in a unique position to identify people at risk, deal sensitively with situations and coordinate responses.
“But addressing domestic violence problems in rural and remote communities can put them at significant risk for their own personal safety.
“It is essential we equip our registrars and Fellows with the skills to identify and respond effectively to these situations while also ensuring their own safety and wellbeing is prioritised,” Dr Martin says.
ACRRM’s position on DFV underscores the alarming prevalence of abuse in rural communities and stresses the shared responsibility of the community in tackling this issue.
Women and children in these regions are particularly vulnerable due to various factors, including isolation, limited access to support services, and potential fears of stigma or retribution.
“In this month of awareness, we encourage all RGs, community members, and service providers to stand together in rejecting abuse, supporting those affected, and promoting a culture of safety and respect,” Dr Martin adds.
ACRRM also urges anyone experiencing domestic and family violence to reach out to local support services.
ACRRM president Dr Rod Martin emphasises that Rural Generalists are often the first line of defence for victims of violence.
“Domestic and family violence is not only a personal issue but also a major public health concern,” Dr Martin says.
“RGs are uniquely positioned to identify, respond to, and offer essential care to those impacted by domestic and family violence.
“They have a special role in their community and are one of only a few people available to provide medical care, without the extensive range of support services available to practitioners in urban settings.
“These doctors are highly visible members of their community, with relationships with patients which tend to extend beyond the practice. “They are in a unique position to identify people at risk, deal sensitively with situations and coordinate responses.
“But addressing domestic violence problems in rural and remote communities can put them at significant risk for their own personal safety.
“It is essential we equip our registrars and Fellows with the skills to identify and respond effectively to these situations while also ensuring their own safety and wellbeing is prioritised,” Dr Martin says.
ACRRM’s position on DFV underscores the alarming prevalence of abuse in rural communities and stresses the shared responsibility of the community in tackling this issue.
Women and children in these regions are particularly vulnerable due to various factors, including isolation, limited access to support services, and potential fears of stigma or retribution.
“In this month of awareness, we encourage all RGs, community members, and service providers to stand together in rejecting abuse, supporting those affected, and promoting a culture of safety and respect,” Dr Martin adds.
ACRRM also urges anyone experiencing domestic and family violence to reach out to local support services.