As a Melbourne general practitioner with nearly three decades of experience, Dr Magdalena Simonis has consistently prioritised additional training in family violence throughout her career.
As a representative of the Australian Medical Association for general practice, she recognises the importance of being equipped to address this critical issue.
However, Dr Simonis notes that not all professionals in the medical field share her commitment to ongoing education in family violence, emphasising the need for change.
“I don’t think general practitioners on the whole feel confident identifying the subtle signs of family violence because very few people will come in presenting with physical evidence of harm,” Dr Simonis told ABC News.
“Yet, it is really doctors who have been identified as the trusted other person outside of a close family member or close friend that victim-survivors will tell and talk to.
“So, general practitioners are considered a really important part of the solution.”
Recent research has found as many as one in two Australian children grow up in violent homes, rendering it a rampant issue for medical professionals.
Source: ABC News.
