This podcast is a about family violence. If this topic is distressing, or if you are with younger listeners, it may not be for you. If you need support in regard to sexual assault, domestic or family violence you can call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for 24/7 phone and online services. If you, a child, or another person is in immediate danger, call 000.

Family violence is a reality that many people face every day. Host Susan Biggar begins this episode with the first-hand story of a survivor, Emma*, on her pathway out of family violence and her varied experiences with health practitioners on the journey.

After telling some of her story, Emma is joined by Professor Kelsey Hegarty, an academic GP who holds the joint Chair in Family Violence Prevention at the University of Melbourne and the Royal Women’s Hospital and Dr Anne Tonkin, Chair of the Medical Board of Australia. Together, the guests talk about the role of practitioners in supporting patients experiencing family violence, what improvements are needed to help more survivors, as well as what happens when a practitioner is a perpetrator.

Links and resources

· RACGP white book

· RACGP family violence toolkit

· Safer Families Centre

· Safer Families Readiness Program

*Not her real name