The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has introduced a model of care addressing an often-overlooked consequence of domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV): concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).
Developed through PHN’s Safe and Healthy Families team, in partnership with the Hunter DFSV Consortium, Hunter New England Local Health District and local GPs, the Hope in Healing model aims to provide early identification, timely response, and comprehensive recovery pathways for women and children who have sustained sub-acute head and neck injuries due to DFSV.
These injuries frequently go untreated, falling below the threshold for hospital admission, but still having potential to cause significant longer term health impacts.
“Many of the women and children who sustain injuries to the head, neck, and face may not present to hospital, and if they do, may not meet the threshold for acute hospital admission, meaning their injuries are not managed in the public health system,” Newcastle GP Dr Anousha Victoire said.
“However, these sub-acute injuries still require medical assessment, accurate diagnosis and appropriate advice to support optimal recovery, and reduce the risk of persistent symptoms and longer-term consequences of concussion and strangulation.”
PHN Safe and Healthy Families Manager Shannon Richardson said there was a disparity in care.
“Currently, there are no publicly funded concussion clinics specifically for women and children who experience DFSV, despite the emergence of concussion clinics tailored to people who sustain head injuries through sporting activities,” Richardson said.
“Many women experiencing DFSV cannot afford to see a GP and are increasingly being locked out of primary care.
“This represents a significant gap in our healthcare system.
“We have an important role to play.”
The Safe and Healthy Families team is now seeking investment to pilot and evaluate the Hope in Healing model in primary care settings.
The initiative represents a crucial step in closing the care gap for women and children whose injuries from violence are too often hidden in plain sight.
Key components of the Hope in Healing model include: screening and assessment; a dedicated clinical team; health navigation and advocacy; referral pathways and specialist input; primary care capacity building; guidance and ongoing care; and evaluation and system integration.
The model aligns with the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children and the National Women’s Health Strategy.
At its core, it provides a much-needed bridge between DFSV services and primary care, addressing a critical system gap with a focus on healing, continuity, and recovery.
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