Domestic, family and sexual violence rates can increase after natural disasters
After natural disasters such as ex-Cyclone Alfred, communities will face many and varied challenges during recovery. Post-disaster reported increases in incidents of domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) are common across affected communities. [1]
—Jillian-Knight Smith, Chair of Women Up North Housing,
It is important for primary health care workers to be alert and aware of the potential increase in DFSV presentations during these times.
Local Link Coordinators can help you and your practice staff to recognise the signs of abuse, understand appropriate referral pathways and having the confidence to safely approach the topic with patients. Knowing how to provide this care in a trauma-informed way can significantly improve the safety and health outcomes of patients experiencing DFSV.
Local Links: a one-stop referral and advice point for GPs supporting patients experiencing domestic and family violence
Across the Brisbane South PHN region, Domestic and Family Violence Local Link Coordinators, or Local Links, are available to work alongside primary care professionals and practice staff to support patients who are victim-survivors of family and domestic violence and sexual abuse.
As a single point of referral for patients impacted by DFSV, Local Links will undertake a risk assessment and connect your patients with the most appropriate supports for their needs. Your Local Link workers are also available for:
de-identified case consultations via phone or in person to support you in working with patients who do not wish to be referred at that time
co-location or visits to your practice to see patients and provide additional DFSV education and support to staff
DFSV workforce capacity building activities
connecting general practice staff with debriefing supports for compassion fatigue.
Recognise, Respond, Refer (RRR): Domestic, family and sexual violence training for general practice staff
Coordinated through Local Links, the RRR program provides free, RACGP-accredited training to general practice staff, equipping them with the skills to safely identify and respond to patients experiencing domestic and family violence in a trauma-informed manner. Developed by health professionals specialised in domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV), in collaboration with GPs and victim-survivors, RRR encourages a ‘whole of practice approach’ to supporting patients affected by DFSV.
The free training is currently offered to general practices in the Brisbane South PHN region (Logan, Redlands, Beaudesert/Jimboomba, Brisbane South areas).
For more information or to book training for your practice, see our Domestic and Family Violence services page.
Domestic and family violence resources for primary health professionals
Access resources for health care professionals and links to local services that work alongside general practice to support patients impacted by DFSV via our webpage: Domestic and family violence | Brisbane South PHN
Find DFSV assessment and management advice on the Brisbane South HealthPathways DFV page.
Resources and support for your patients
For individuals affected by DFV, immediate support is available:
1800RESPECT: 1800RESPECT is a free counselling service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
The Centre for Women & Co.: The Centre for Women & Co. is Brisbane South PHN’s commissioned provider for the Local Care Team Program. The Program provides trauma-informed care (including mental health care) to people who have experienced family, domestic and sexual violence. The Centre for Women & Co. provides free DFV support for all women and children who live or work in the Logan, Beenleigh and Redlands regions. The Centre accepts self-referrals and referrals from GPs for patients impacted by DFSV or child sexual abuse.
Article sources
[1] Wylie, K. (2025). How the cost of disasters like ex-Cyclone Alfred are often higher for women. Women’s Agenda