Care and Connect – Domestic Family Sexual Violence Linker Program

The best way to get a referral to our Care and Connect service is to speak with your GP, if you feel safe to do so. Remember, we’re not a crisis support service, so if it’s an emergency, you should always call 000 or 1800 RESPECT.

Our Care and Connect program – funded by Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN) – equips GPs and health professionals with the tools to recognise signs, respond to disclosures of domestic, family and sexual violence, offer direct referral pathways, and enhance their knowledge of local DFSV services. GPs will gain two CPD Hours upon completion of the training. Allied Health Professionals can also apply for CPD through their relevant governing bodies. If you’re interested in learning more, you can contact Jodie on 02 4728 4803.

Care and Connect is available to anyone experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith Regions. General Practitioners and other health professionals operating in this area are eligible for training.

If you are outside of these areas, Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECCPHN-Safe and Healthy) and Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN-DV Assist) also deliver this service.

Domestic, family and sexual violence in NSW is a persistent issue and GPs are often seen as a safe and confidential space for patients to discuss what they’re experiencing. Studies show that women are twice as likely to disclose domestic, family and sexual violence and abuse if asked by their GP or nurse in the general practice. We offer free training to better equip you and your staff to recognise DFSV in your patients, respond safely to disclosures, and refer them to appropriate services in your area.

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 Nepean Region. This includes:

• 2 hours CPD training each year
• Up-to-date information on referral pathways
• Tools and information on recognising the signs of DFSV
• Information on local services
• Information on best steps when managing patients affected by DFSV
• Information sessions on the role of general practice in responding to DFSV
• Information on relevant training opportunities
• Discuss de-identified cases/scenarios with best practice outcomes
• Information sessions on how to undertake risk assessments and safety planning
• In practice colocation service
• In addition to the customised in-practice training, we also offer a suite of self-paced DFSV eLearning modules though Your Practice Portal.