Overview
Who It's For
If you live in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith Regions and are experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV), including child sexual abuse (CSA), you can request to access the service through your General Practitioner or another health professional.
How We Help
If you’re experiencing violence at home, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Our experienced DFSV Linkers will connect you with safe, confidential and completely free support services, through a referral from your local GP or health professional.
What to Expect
If you disclose an experience of DFSV to your GP, we’ll work together to link you up with vital assistance, like counselling, housing and legal support, while prioritising the safety of you and your family. Just book an appointment with your GP and let them know you’d like a referral to the Care and Connect service.
Domestic, family and sexual violence, including child sexual abuse, can take many forms.
We recognise that everyone’s experiences are different. Our DFSV Linkers will work with you to determine a customised approach for your unique situation.
What you’ll take away:
With thanks to our funding partners
This service has been made possible by funding from Wentworth Healthcare, the provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN) and their Care and Connect program.
Introduction to Sexual Violence and Child Sexual Abuse Training: Within the Context of Primary Care
Next Session:
Thursday 14 November 2024
06:00 PM - 9:00 PM AEST
We invite you to a catered training dinner to learn about recognising the signs of sexual violence and child sexual abuse in a primary care setting. You will learn how to respond appropriately and know what referral pathways are.
This session will be held in-person at:
PCYC Hawkesbury - 16 Stewart St South Windsor NSW 2756
Spaces are limited.
Communities of Practice: Supporting Primary Care Within the Context of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV)
Next Session:
Thursday 21 November 2024
06:30 PM - 8:30 PM AEST
We invite primary care staff across the Nepean Blue Mountains region to attend a catered event hosted by Relationships Australia NSW in partnership with Wentworth Healthcare Limited. This will be an opportunity to come together and discuss issues or concerns you may have regarding patients impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence. The event with be facilitated by Grace Jennings, a qualified Family Safety Practice Specialist and one of the Care and Connect – DFSV GP educators.
This session will be held in-person at:
Relationships Australia NSW - 2/606 High Street Penrith NSW 2750
Spaces are limited.
GP or Allied Health Professional?
Our Care and Connect staff provide support and practical advice for GPs, Practice Staff and other Allied Health Professionals operating in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith Regions.
Referrals
To support a patient by referring them to the Care and Connect service, simply upload the DFSV Action Plan into your clinical software and send it via secure messaging.
Patient Advice
For confidential patient advice and support, contact the Care and Connect team on 02 4278 4803 or
dfv-linker@ransw.org.au.
“The worker helped me get my ducks in a row. I know a lot of places have waiting lists for caseworkers, but this lady called me the day after my GP sent her the referral and help was provided straight away.”
- Care and Connect client
“At first, I thought – do we really need the Care and Connect service? But after all our conversations, I'm seeing the signs and asking the questions, and now I'm really glad that you’re here. Your support for my patient has been really helpful. She said she was really happy with the support, she's glad she can see you at our practice and that she felt really comfortable speaking with you.”
- GP with Care and Connect training
24/7 Emergency Numbers
Need urgent help? Relationships Australia NSW is not a crisis service, but there’s a range of organisations that can help you.